This came out in 2002 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
The title Italian Platinum makes you think of something exotic, rare, sophisticated, trendy — and damned classy. But few (if any) of these adjectives apply effectively to indie post-punk stalwarts Silkworm.
This is not an insult; if anything, it’s testament to the 15-year-old band’s authenticity and scrappy earthiness. Both of which are on full display on Italian Platinum, the group’s eighth record and fifth since the departure of singer Joel Phelps. As expected, Italian Platinum offers up a hefty helping of Silkworm’s distinctive, slacker-rock sound, typified by lazy and shambling rhythms, chunky and slashing guitarwork, Steve Albini’s underproduction, laconic Lou Reedy vocals and dark lyrical sentiments like, “I love you means I hope you don’t survive the night.” Despite crossing the brains of Pavement with the heart of Sebadoh and the brawn of The Replacements, Silkworm have somehow managed to remain one of indie-rock’s better-kept secrets. But if they keep putting out albums this addictive, they won’t stay that way for much longer.
