(Photo courtesy of RPM Orchestra)

The RPM Orchestra quintet performs live music and sound effects for silent film viewings.

Silent movies are not always silent. In their heyday, a live orchestra would often play along with the film. And today, a local group called the RPM Orchestra is bringing that back.

They call themselves a proto-industrial Americana ensemble. That means they mix elements of industrial music with various forms of Americana sounds — from jazz to bluegrass to blues. Through that music, and sound effects, they bring old silent movies back to life.

The Show's Lauren Gilger sat down with foley artist Pete Petrisko and percussionist Erik Hunter to talk about how this all comes together.

The RPM Orchestra’s next show features the 1920 crime thriller "The Penalty" this weekend at FilmBar.