Alexis Silvestra – Radio Silence
Reviewed by Matthew Nijland
Photo credits: Madelize de Lange
South African indie pop singer-songwriter, Alexis Silvestra, has burst onto the music scene with her head-bopping, foot-stomping debut single, “Radio Silence”.
Despite its catchy melodies and happy instrumental, “Radio Silence” is actually a confessional about the deep emotional and psychological pain of being ghosted by a former lover. The jangly acoustic guitar opening the song invites us into Alexis’ world as she vulnerably contemplates her confusion, isolation, and hopelessness in the midst of being left high and dry without an explanation. The song bubbles and builds as her thoughts and feelings about the relationship’s demise continue unraveling, culminating in an emotionally and musically explosive second chorus – driven by an irresistibly head-bopping drumbeat and a pop-tastic “radio silence, radio silence” hook.
But just when you thought it couldn’t hit the spot any more, the bridge-breakdown that follows allows Alexis to put on the proverbial boxing gloves and get even by taking verbal jabs (I mean, “Can you stop being so selfish and be honest with yourself?” and “You’re a flight risk and you can’t commit”… Ouch!). And then, for one final surprise, a half-time chorus with overdriven rock guitars hits us as the relationship ultimately crumbles beyond repair around her after exhausting every unrequited effort to save it. The delicate outro piano welcomes both the pain and healing in its aftermath.
I love how the instrumental simultaneously contrasts and compliments the emotional roller-coaster she’s on throughout the song. This is in large part to the contribution of Jemaine Roberts, who co-wrote the music with Alexis, as well as producing, mixing and mastering the song. The song has so much character, not only keeping listeners intrigued with dynamics, but even through subtleties like adding radio static in the breakdown and ending, and the exhale sound effect on the line “I’ve been holding my breath, I need to exhale”. I’m looking forward to more exciting musical collaborations between this pair!
The cherry on top is definitely how Alexis captivates listeners through her brilliant and painfully honest storytelling, putting us in her shoes and making us recall times we’ve also faced harsh rejection. I hear echoes of other phenomenal female singer-songwriter-storytellers influencing her work, such as Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Maisie Peters and Stevie Nicks. The careful intention behind every word, sung by Alexis in her naturally crystal clear and golden voice, gets me every time and has me listening on repeat.
“Radio Silence” is a fantastic debut single to launch a career with, and I’m eagerly awaiting what Alexis has in store for us next!
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