The Antlers – “Green to Gold” Review

Story posted April 2, 2021 in

The Antlers continue to produce some of the most emotionally charged works in the modern-day indie scene, as they rightfully take their place in the upper echelon of indie artists.

Known for delivering music with an emotional and intense atmosphere, this Brooklyn-based indie rock and folk project originated from the mind of vocalist and guitarist Peter Silberman in 2005.

The Antlers would take their name from the track “Antlers,” by the Microphones, another influential indie folk band led by Phil Elverum.

Silberman would make his debut with the solo production of one of his more impressive LPs, “Uprooted.” This would soon be followed by his second studio album, “In the Attic of the Universe,” another work of his that is still beloved by fans.

Michael Lerner and Darby Cicci would join later, making the group a collaborative one — Cicci would take his leave from the band in 2019.

Other more developed works soon followed as the group would produce one of their most critically acclaimed and known albums, “Hospice” in 2009.

One of the most enjoyable aspects of listening to music is witnessing the development of artists over the course of their careers and The Antlers with their latest LP, “Green to Gold,” exemplify that.

This group has gone far from their more Microphones-inspired style of sound, growing into their own over the years.

What fans will see in this newest record are the lyrical differences between it and earlier albums.

In albums like “Hospice” the listeners have a more complex and emotional experience, as Silberman tells the tale of an abusive relationship through the metaphor of a relationship between a hospice worker and a terminally ill cancer patient.

Instead, we see a simpler theme, as “Green to Gold” is a far more nature-focused and relaxed work.

The opening comes in strong as the first track “Strawflower” is a beautiful ensemble of acoustic and electronic instrumentals. The artist’s vocals are something to appreciate as Silberman’s tight, raspy voice pierces the ears.

In “Wheels Roll Home,” the images and comforts of home flood the mind, something the writers fully intended while writing this song. The sounds of water dripping and the crickets chirping in tracks like “Solstice” further push a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.

The orchestral vibrations of “Just One Sec” are entrancing, as it's accompanied by the sounds of a storm brewing.

Even though it’s a lot less complex- as some fans may have a problem with that — it can be recognized by audience members as something that was intended and makes it a far more listenable experience for some people.

Although not a masterpiece, “Green to Gold” is one of their most beautifully instrumented and atmospheric albums yet.

Rating: 7/10
Reviewer’s Favorite Songs: “Wheels Roll Home,” “Stubborn Man” and “It Is What It Is”
Reviewer’s Least Favorite Song: “Porchlight”

Jon Mead is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jkm6040@psu.edu.

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