Writing about the Silver Thread is not an easy task. Though admired and respected by their Pittsburgh-underground-music-scene peers (an admiration and respect which is certainly mutual), everyone involved seems at odds with how to describe the Silver Thread's sound. Perhaps their approach is more easily defined: with members' ages ranging from 26 to 38 and all members having amassed considerable experience playing in Pittsburgh's underground music scene (from 1986 to the present day), the band is unafraid to embrace the rich palette of ever-shifting sounds and styles of contemporary popular music; but it should also be said that the emphasis is on songwriting and melody, and the style remains that of a simple rock band (two guitars, bass guitar, vocal, and drums). Their debut disc This House is Clean showcases the eclectic songwriting approach: from upbeat, musically-involved pieces to simple, minimalist moody tracks to unusual studio creations all contained therein, This House is Clean presents an interesting, melodically-challenging, literate (even uniquely tasteful) collection of songs. It may not be the simplest collection to digest, but its rewards are manifold, and at the center of each piece and every arrangement is an effective, if often simple, melody. The disc finds the Silver Thread channeling (rather than being inspired or influenced by) a wide array popular-music-history's critically renowned underground heroes: Dylan, Television, the Velvet Underground, Sonic Youth, etc. In their live appearances, the Silver Thread are loud and uncompromising, giving the disc's tracks a second, live identity. The songs are presented with a raw, hard approach and subtly (sometimes completely) re-worked arrangements. The band is unafraid to take the energy level down to play a minimal, quiet piece; nor are they above extended noise-mantras; despite any excess of volume or noise-in-the-name-of-art-and-rock'n'roll, the Silver Thread remain unfailingly tasteful in their demeanor. This is genuine rock'n'roll.