Album Notes

"Subterranean Songs" is the spectacular sophomore effort from a guy who has performed in practically every room, street corner, and subway platform in Boston. He also maintained a successful and enduring residency at the Middle East rock club in Cambridge, MA. Though Boston was good to Gonzalo Silva, the Chilean-born musician has up and moved to New York City, and he has recorded a new album.

Like on his out-of-print debut album, "Impatience," Silva slips in and out of flourishing arpeggios and simple riffs where he manages some intricate comping with himself. He also continues to succeed in staying away from anything predictable in the songwriting department. Unlike the first album, however, Silva has shed the drums and guitar in favor of the stark moodiness left by solo bass guitar with vocals. It's low-key and original, with dashes of Elvis Costello, Elliott Smith, Morphine, Nick Drake, and The Police. Maybe a little Ani DiFranco thrown in for good measure.

Silva pushes the bass to its limits, producing uncommon melodies and rhythms as a result. The sound is unique, as it captures the essence of jazz within a pop framework. He favors lilting, circular melodic lines, and has an excellent grasp of dynamics and harmonic counterpoint, something he likely perfected during his years at Boston's Berklee College of Music. His tenor voice is rich and velvety, and his bass playing really shines.

Standout songs include "Laid" and "Despiertate" which display his unique and virtuosic approach to writing for bass while also revealing his pop sensibility. Hooks galore and coherent lyrics combine to create some truly original moments throughout the course of the album.