Silkworm

Silkworm is a US indie rock band from Missoula, Montana, active from 1987 to 2005. The group begins in the post-punk and lo-fi underground before developing a noisy, abrasive sound that remains central to its records. Its lineup changes over time, but the key members are Joel R.L. Phelps, Andy Cohen, Tim Midyett, Michael Dahlquist and Matt Kadane.

Early years and formation

Silkworm forms in Missoula in 1987 after the break-up of Ein Heit. The original line-up includes guitarist-vocalists Andy Cohen and Joel Phelps, bassist-vocalist Tim Midgett and drummer Ben Koostra. The band writes collaboratively from the start, with everyone except Koostra contributing to songwriting. Koostra leaves in 1989, after which the group continues as a trio.

The band releases its debut cassette, Advantage, in 1988, followed by Girl Harbrr and the companion Girl Harbrr Out-Takes EP in 1989.

Seattle period and first albums

In early 1990, the remaining trio moves to Seattle and soon recruits drummer Michael Dahlquist. Silkworm’s first official album, L'ajre, appears in 1992 and presents the group’s increasingly dissonant style, supported by Midyett’s driving bass parts. The following year brings the His Absence Is a Blessing EP.

For In the West in 1994, the band signs to C/Z and records with Steve Albini, who continues to work on most of the group’s output. The 1994 album Libertine follows, after which Phelps leaves the band.

Matador, Touch and Go, and later work

After leaving Silkworm, Phelps records solo as Joel R.L. Phelps and issues Warm Springs Night in 1996. Silkworm continues as a trio and signs to Matador for Firewater in 1996. The group then releases Developer in 1997 and moves to Touch and Go for Blueblood in 1998. By this period, the band completes its relocation to Chicago.

Lifestyle follows in 2000, and the band tours in support of it during the following year. Italian Platinum appears in 2002 and includes vocals from Kelly Hogan and keyboard parts from Matt Kadane of the New York band The New Year. The final Silkworm album, It’ll Be Cool, is released in 2004.

End of the band

Silkworm ends after the death of Michael Dahlquist in July 2005, when he and two other Chicago-based musicians are killed in a car accident.