"The Silver Gymnasium" is a studio album by American indie rock band Okkervil River, released on September 3, 2013. It's the band's seventh full album and their first to be released on ATO Records.
The album is a notable departure from Okkervil River's prior work in that it is the first to be explicitly autobiographical, with elements of nostalgia and Americana prominently displayed. The songs recount the experiences and emotions of frontman Will Sheff's upbringing in Meriden, New Hampshire during the 1980s. The album cover, a pen-and-ink map of Sheff's hometown, further establishes these themes.
"The Silver Gymnasium" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release. Critics praised Sheff's rich storytelling and the band's atmospheric indie rock sound. The album's lead single, "It Was My Season," was particularly noted for its memorable melody and evocative lyrics.
The album captures Sheff's childhood feelings of awe and confusion, mixed with the adult understanding that the '80s were a challenging economic time for rural America. Musically, it showcases Okkervil River's ability to seamlessly transition between different styles, moods, and tones, featuring elements of rock, folk, and prominent synth sounds reminiscent of the era it represents.
This evocative venture into the past, with all its highs and lows, sets "The Silver Gymnasium" apart as an engaging album, offering listeners a glimpse into an era gone by and an intimate look at Sheff's formative years.
