Silent Planet

Green Bay Band Reviews
Silent Planet live at Crunchy Frog in Green Bay, WI

By TJ
December 18, 2009
From the first time I saw Silent Planet, I knew this band was different. An original rock band from Green Bay, they were drawing an influence of sound from a different era and genre than most rock bands usually do. Silent Planet is a unique blend of soul, funk, punk, and mod rock with political overtones. The guitars switch from heavy over-driven distorted tones to clean tones that are heavy on a funk rhythm. At first I was a bit taken back and had a hard time taking it all in. Kind of like when I first heard Jimi Hendrix's work with a Band of Gypsys. It was different, it was good and it was loved. That's how I feel about Silent Planet. Their music is so driven with chord progression and song structure. It is powerful and right away has that classic rock feeling but with a modern twist. Not to mention the vocals are belted out with such conviction and soul.

In April of 2009, Silent Planet suffered the loss of their bass player Owen. The local music community was deeply saddened. Owen was truly loved and a inspirational person to everyone that was lucky enough to know him. With that great loss I thought the band was over, but somehow they held together and found the strength to carry on. A few months later, I heard they were playing at shows again around town. So I went out to see them again. Sure enough I caught them opening for a band at IQ's. In honor of Owen they were playing without a bass, instead they had Owen's bass, center stage on a guitar stand as a tribute to him. It was a little emotional to see, and I can only imagine the heart ache they go through, but it was kind of cool too, because it must have given them the strength to carry on. Months later, the word going around the scene is that Carl, the singer song writer and guitar player was planning to leave soon and move to New York. I was contacted earlier in the month and through the course of events, I was lucky enough to be apart of Silent Planet's second to last show at the Crunchy Frog. Silent Planet was the headliner. Tonight the line up was a little different. You had of course, Carl on guitar and lead vocals, Josh on lead guitar and vocals, Johannes made the move from drums to bass and Casey filled out the drum kit. By far, this was the best show I have ever seen them play. It almost seemed as if it was a natural fit. Carl and Josh were so relaxed, really rocking and getting into the songs. Johannes rocked on the bass with Casey's straight forward drumming gave it a solid back bone and added a lot of punch to the progressions. The show rocked and they played deep into the night! Carl is an amazing talent and and I have no doubt in my mind that he will be making some new waves out in New York, while it may be the end of Silent Planet. I hope that this band either keeps on going with Josh, Johannes and Casey, or hopefully there will be an off shoot of the band. Needless to say, the show must go on. I wish them all the best of luck. Check out their myspace page, http://www.myspace.com/americanredemption. Your last chance to see Silent Planet is at IQ's this Saturday the 19th with Bon Zai McPherson. It for sure is going to be one hell of a going away party for a band that had such a positive affect and influence. Silent Planet, it was a great run! You will be missed. Much Love and Best Wishes to Carl in his adventures in NY. Go get 'em and give them our best!