Silk – but then, yes (2025)
FOMO – the fear of missing out. It’s a common experience that has led to many people simply “going for it”. Life passes quickly, and we look at the years we have remaining wondering, “Is this all?”. Then FOMO hits. Instead of sitting back and allowing the world to pass them by, people make an effort to live their lives in the way they best wish to do so. For musician Michael Smyth, this was in the form of Silk.
“I constantly feel like I am rushing towards the inevitable infinite oblivion. Further exacerbated by the marking of years spent circling the sun. To that end, it’s important that I fill the time remaining with joyous, creative acts…” – Silk
Today was my introduction to the new solo project by Michael Smyth, and we found ourselves leaning further into the heavier side of the shoegaze spectrum. As with debut single ‘Faze’, his new single ‘but then, yes’ moves beyond the surface level, dragging you to the core of raw, passionate, hard-hitting music. Produced with Jonny Woods (mixing) and Jon Moorehead (mastering), the production of ‘but then, yes’ is exquisite. Layering bold drums with a soaring guitar in a distorted web of obscurity, Silk indulges in the eerier, creepier, more aggressive leaning of shoegaze.
Recorded and performed by Silk, obscurity exists, giving each instrument a place in the sun but also wound in the hard-hitting, off-kilter symphony. Interestingly, while there is brashness, breaks of gentler (albeit dark) music filter through. Add Picture Perfect’s AJ Das’s hushed vocals, and it’s as if you’re heading through a dream with a rich voice as the anchor.
Melodically, the song is a kaleidoscopic sonic trip without the acid, or it might be that hit of vodka rushing through your veins on a night out. Yet, just as it has a bit of chaos, it perfectly captures the emotions of its concept – the complex move from being “just friends” to something more romantic. ‘but then, yes’ is intricate, off-kilter, and a bit of a wonder that will remain intriguing.
In addition to the single, Silk released an official music video for ‘but then, yes’. You can view the video below and/or on his YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Find out more about Silk on his Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Bandcamp and Spotify.
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