I knew before pressing play that I was going to love Kyle Lionhart’s sophomore album The Silence of You. I’d already fawned over the singles “Chemical Heart” and “Lighthouse,” highlighting Kyle’s personal lyrics and heartfelt delivery. But I wasn’t prepared for just how much this collection of songs would move me.
When you release a few exceptional singles, they often become the highlights of the album. That’s not the case here. Every song is a standout, a powerful and personal revelation. Perhaps the pandemic has something to do with that. With the exception of “Locked to Towns,” penned during the songwriting sessions for his debut album, Kyle wrote every song during lockdown.
While we were all reflective while stuck in our homes, the period was especially telling for Kyle. Near the end of 2019, after more than six years of constant touring, he started feeling like pursuing his career came at the expense of his most important relationships. When the pandemic forced him to take a break from the road the following year, it was time to start working on those relationships and himself. These songs stemmed from that period of self-reflection; they’re powerful, sometimes confronting, and always authentic. Kyle admits that he cried every day in the studio singing these songs; that emotion really comes through. You can hear it in his voice, but make sure you listen to those lyrics to really understand the powerful experiences and feelings that shaped these songs.
While these songs deal with some heavy themes, The Silence of You isn’t a dark album. Kyle’s voice has a beautiful warmth that lifts you up as you listen. There’s also an undercurrent of optimism that brings lightness to the material. This album celebrates human connection and love. While that exists, we can never stay down for too long. Kyle will play shows in the new year to support the album’s release.
20 January 2023 – Milk Bar, Boorloo/Perth
21 January 2023 – Jive, Tarntanya/Adelaide
27 January 2023 – The Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
28 January 2023 – Corner Hotel, Naarm/Melbourne
3 February 2023 – Mos Desert Clubhouse, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
4 February 2023 – The Zoo, Meeanjin/Brisbane
10 February 2023 – Solbar, Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country/Sunshine Coast
11 February 2023 – The Northern, Cavanbah/Byron Bay
Images used with permission from Revolutions per Minute