The bar has been raised for The Classic Crime after their stunning Acoustic EP release, Seattle Sessions, back in November of 2007. With their sophomore album, they return to their electric guitars and rock-driven melodies to present us with The Silver Cord, an impressive and dynamic album that will only help secure themselves in this ever-changing music industry. With a heavier sound and stronger vocals than previously heard on their debut, Albatross, fans will definitely be introduced to a new side of The Classic Crime than previously seen. In fact, it is quite impressive how much they have experimented with their sound in this past year - and succeeded.

The Silver Cord begins with the unique and ambient "The End"- a rather uncanny title for an opening track, but holds much symbolism as the closing track is titled "The Beginning." It's very short, barely two minutes long, yet is tragically beautiful with the lyrics, "Call me a liar; call me your friend. I will let you down again because I'm a disaster of epic proportions." From there, we progress to catchy tracks like "Gravedigging," and "Salt In The Snow," which really accentuate frontman Matt McDonald's matured and raw vocals. We then land upon the single, "Abracadavers," a very power-driven rock song that enables you to feel the angst and emotion the band poured into the song, especially in McDonald's near-screaming vocals. "Medisin" and "God and Drugs" are also very notable tracks- both focusing on internal struggles. The latter sings, "You won't go away, but every hit is just a taste of all the things I need to face. But it's all so fake…it's true that I look elsewhere for you." "Sing" is memorable with distorted vocals and a demanding chorus, "I will sing, and you will hear me," while "The Ascent" stands as the lone, yet beautiful and progressive, instrumental.

This rather lengthy album, consisting of fifteen tracks total, shows a variety of talent and sound - musically and vocally. Matt McDonald's vocals are clearly more intense, accompanying the band's overall edgier sound. Although the style might seem familiar, The Classic Crime has really made this album, and this approach to harder rock, all their own. Every song is a new adventure and a whirlwind of emotions.

Lyrically, The Silver Cord is very diverse. It clearly deals with common human struggles, internally and externally. However, much of the lyrical content can vary in meaning depending on the listener. The band has made it clear that they want their lyrics to be relatable on all levels, to all audiences (To read more on the band's views toward their lyrics, direction of their music, and their overall view on the Christian music industry, please click here). Though not a common theme found in The Silver Cord, there are spiritual references scattered throughout the record. Prominently, these references are found in "Closer Than We Think" and "Salt In The Snow." As you listen, you will notice that it sounds like these songs were performed as the stories were happening to them. That's how authentic the emotion is. And that type of sound is extremely hard to come by.

This sophomore album has given The Classic Crime a whole new face. They have proven their skills as musicians and songwriters and have exceeded every expectation set on them. The Silver Cord shows us there is more to this band than what meets the eye. Their sound has continued to mature and the future provides us with endless possibilities for The Classic Crime.