WL//WH Premiere: SILK Explores the Evolution of Connection in “but then,yes” (Official Video)

WL//WH Premiere Silk

I constantly feel like I am rushing towards the inevitable infinite oblivion. Further exacerbated by the marking of years spent circling the sun. To that end, it’s important that I fill the time remaining with joyous, creative acts. The sharing of ideas is an essential part of that, which brings us to SILK.

WL//WH is thrilled to welcome Silk, the new solo endeavour from Virgins guitarist/songwriter, Michael Smyth.

Leaning into the heavier end of the Shoegaze spectrum than his main project, the Belfast musician returns, building on the January 2025 debut “Faze,” with the expansive new sophomore single “but then, yes,” featuring the vocals of AJ Das from Dublin shoegazers Picture Postcard.

Written, performed and recorded by Michael himself, when it came time to mix the song, he turned to long time collaborator Jonny Woods (1980 Something Studios, Wynona Bleach). The single is released ahead of the first live dates for Silk, which will see members of Broncos, Ferals, and Wynona Bleach take up position in the live band.

Lyrically, the song delves into the evolution of connection between people over time, from plutonic to romantic and into something deeper, capturing the electricity as emotions experience that slow but seismic shift.

Seamlessly balancing oneiric reflective moments with sweeping bursts of bubbling guitar distortion, “but then,yes” crackles with invigorating, abrasive fuzz-laden seismic energy, carved by impassioned, high-pitched wailing melodies, massively washing over angsty, feather-light vocals, struggling to break through an electrical storm amid ghostly echoes of fear and pain.

The accompanying video is designed as a visual mood board, a visual representation of the emotions the song hopes to evoke.

The Official Video is a captivating stream of consciousness that covers a gamut of emotional territories and immersive sensations. From epic sunny skies to turbulent tornados, the symbolic imagery blends intimate relationships with night-time cityscapes and shifting flows of natural elements to bring forth an all-encompassing, surreal vibe swept by feelings of joy, sadness, freedom, and oppression.

Silk‘s sophomore single, “but then,yes,” is out now on all the major streaming platforms.

Catch the band live:

♦ July 25th Belfast, Deers Head supporting Alpha Twin

♦ August 30th Belfast, Oh Yeah at GazeFest w/Whitelands

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