Sliver & Gold

Sliver & Gold is the eighth album, on which Backyard Babies played street-flavored rock 'n' roll without losing any roughness. Released on Century Media in March 2019. The title is “Sliver,” not “Silver” — it's often misprinted, but this is the correct form. Gritty guitar, a beat that leans slightly back, and singing that is provocative yet somehow wistful convey the band's air before any flashy ornamentation. The songs are short and direct, but punk, hard rock and glam elements mix naturally, so it doesn't end as a simple straight line. On the songs that run hard, the riffs' coarseness generates heat; on the slower ones, melodic shadow and the rasp in the voice leave the impression. From the opener “Good Morning Midnight” through “Shovin' Rocks” and “44 Undead” to the closing “Laugh Now Cry Later,” ten songs flow without stalling. The band themselves call it their most cohesive work, and the confidence of a group approaching its 30th anniversary shows. It reached the top five at home. Putting a rebellious stance and hook-filled choruses side by side, it presents Nordic rock 'n' roll's delinquent appeal in the present tense.