No matter what anyone says, a catchy band name makes a difference in the type of attention a band attracts. But, ultimately, it’s the music that matters. Based in Houston, Texas, the DIY rock band Silver Blueberry have both of those checkboxes clicked.
The four member band creates garage rock music that reminds us of a killer mash of punk and post-punk from the 70’s and 80’s, as heard on the fiercely rhythmic, hand-clapping track like “Walk With Me,” one of the best songs from the band’s debut, Twin Reverberation.
Founded in the summer of 2013, Silver Blueberry was formed by twin brothers Tyson Rinker and Shaun Rinker, both of whom sing and play guitar. The duo started out writing and performing rough cut songs in their garage. Shortly afterwards they met a German diplomat, Philipp Kleiner, who loved their songs and decided to join as the band’s drummer.
The brothers then met Jasmine Martinez at a Thermals’ concert and discovered a common love for raw rock music. Martinez didn’t need a lot of convincing to join Silver Blueberry as bassist after he heard some of the trio’s songs. His inception into the band completed the quartet’s percussive sound and they were off and running, performing gigs throughout Texas and attracting attention from rock fans and the press. They also got the notice of a number of labels, soon signing with the small Austin label BooBo Records.
The lineup has undergone some changes in the past few months, acquiring a new bassist, Chris Casas, and drummer, Nick Little. It’ll be interesting to see with the new lineup whether the Rinker brothers continue to edge the line between punk and post punk. There is no question that there are also influences of garage, alternative and psychedelic rock; at times, the band’s songs remind us of a hybrid between Dinosaur Jr., Tame Impala, The Beatles and The Clash, like on the irresistible track, “I Land in the Desert.” Interestingly, part of the main guitar riff in the song reminded us automatically of the riff in The Clash’s “Spanish Bombs,” from the epic album, London Calling.
“Walk with Me“ Silver Blueberry from Twin Reverberation
“I Land in the Desert“ – Silver Blueberry from Twin Reverberation
Silver Blueberry has opened for Quilt, Sic Pop, and Little Joe Washington. Some of their biggest musical influences include Black Lips, The Thermals, Tame Impala, Ty Segall, and The Beatles.