Columbus based indie rock trio Silvis have been grinding away for a hot minute now. Tuned Up first crossed paths with this band back in 2018 at the famed Donato’s Basement venue. They were playing as local support for Little Image, an indie rock (now alt-pop) act that has shared stages with the likes of Panic! at the Disco and Switchfoot in the years since. Silvis have quietly been working to make a name for themselves in the midwest. Now, in 2025, here we are with their debut full length record A Tendency to Seek Distraction.

Indie rock is a term that is a paradox. You hear a band and instinctively know that what they are. Yet, indie rock can mean so many different things anymore it’s impossible to define. With this record, Silvis firmly establishes their lane and owns it. To me, a quintessential indie rock record mixes a blend of emotions leaning on the more contemplative side, and a healthy blend of experimentation and ear-catching hooks. A Tendency to Seek Distraction has both of these characteristics in spades.

The album shines most memorably during its starting and ending points. “Do I Need It?” and “I’m On Fire” create a one-two punch in the feels. The upbeat tempo makes you want to celebrate albiet in a measured way. The latter song has the atmospheric melancholy of a lovechild of Young the Giant and Death Cab For Cutie. The former has punchy percussion, a hallmark of the the production Joe Amadio (who is heavily influenced by Mutemath). “Hear You Speak,” is dreamlike, and floats along, leaving the listener pondering what they just heard. At a recent concert, this song made the biggest impression on me.

“Avert Your Eyes” seems to capture everything Silvis is about sonically in one short and sweet song. And at the midway point of the album nonetheless. Balancing dreamy, pensive piano with crunchy, aggressive riffage is no easy feat.

Overall, the album succeeds in capturing the mission statement the band penned; “A Tendency to Seek Distraction explores the tension between distraction and clarity—breaking free from old habits, self-discovery, and finding gratitude in the process.” The overarching feeling is one of contemplation and melancholy. But despair is nowhere to be found – by design.

Follow Silvis on Instagram and keep an eye on their tour dates for a Midwest show near you!