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Acclaimed Philadelphia-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Marc Silver has officially announced his eighth studio album, The Dark Of Our Hymn, arriving on November 6, 2026.
Produced by longtime collaborators Andrew Lipke and Jaron Olevsky, and mixed by Tucker Martine, the project blends folk, Americana, bluegrass, blues, and rock. Featuring Silver’s intimate, literary approach to songwriting, the album delves into themes of mortality, memory, ancestry, queer love, and historical resilience.
To mark the release, Silver will perform the album in its entirety on November 7, 2026, at The Black Squirrel Club in Fishtown. The lead single, “Lily White,” is available now.
Track-by-Track Overview & Album Highlights
- “Ancestral”: Driven by mandola, this dark, moody opening track evokes Joe Henry’s Scar. Inspired by Paul Burch’s “The Last of My Kind,” the song explores the threshold between life and death.
- “Halos”: A waltz anchored by twangy electric guitars and driving hi-hats. Born from Silver’s morning free-writing rituals and inspired by Townes Van Zandt, the track reflects on deep devotion, quiet solitude, and enduring connection through loss.
- “Lily White” (Lead Single): Built around a delicate acoustic riff, this single pairs nostalgic childhood memories with lush arrangements featuring Christian Sedelmyer’s strings, Jaron Olevsky’s piano work, and Bobby Baxmeyer’s guitars.
- “Swinging Branches”: An emotionally raw narrative connecting memories of gay life in the Midwest during the ’80s and ’90s with historical reflections on violence, framed within a gentle, layered acoustic backdrop.
- “Sullivan Ballou”: Featuring a jazzy, 3/4-influenced feel, this track weaves piano melodies, double bass by Jeremy McDonald, and interleaving electric guitar work from Clay Sears.
- “Pleasuring”: Led by a distorted guitar riff, this track draws inspiration from the creative dynamic of Adrianne Lenker and Buck Meek, leaning into sensual, honest storytelling.
- “Veiled”: A somber, cinematic progression starting with voice, acoustic guitar, and piano before expanding into hollow-body jazz guitar, organ, and ambient percussion.
- “I Knew I’d Make You Mine”: A warm, West Coast-inspired ballad showcasing a Laurel Canyon feel, dedicated to Silver’s husband of 28 years, James Rose.
- “Skeleton Wings”: A groove-heavy track featuring wide-interval jazz harmonies, exploring themes of reconciliation and familial struggles.
- “When That Time Is Here and Now” (Album Closer): A vocal duet featuring Sarah Long that blends jazz influences, Billie Holiday-inspired phrasing, and organ textures to bring the record to a reflective, graceful close.
Live Dates & Album Release Show
Marc Silver will support the release with select tour dates, kicking off with a full album celebration in Philadelphia:
- November 7, 2026: The Black Squirrel Club — Philadelphia, PA
“Though grievous flaws befall our hearts / There’s beauty in the dark of our hymn.”
— Marc Silver
About Marc Silver
Marc Silver is a Philadelphia-based songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and University of the Arts jazz graduate. Across his two-decade career, Silver has released eight full-length albums—five solo projects and three with his string band, The Stonethrowers. His work has appeared in film and television, and he has shared stages with artists such as Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, The Mavericks, Chuck Prophet, and Sierra Hull.
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