Silverchair - Neon Ballroom

It's the easy way out to dwell on a group's supposed "maturation," but considering the members of Silverchair were 14 when they released their debut album and are a whopping 20 years old with this outing, it's entirely appropriate, not to mention accurate. From a band of any age, though, Neon Ballroom is a stunner of an album. And it's also leaps and bounds beyond the Australian trio's two previous efforts, good if derivative grunge/classic-rock fare interpreted by impressionable young musicians. From the epic, dramatic opening cut, "Emotion Sickness," to "Ana's Song (Open Fire)," Neon Ballroom is a 12-song collection rife with emotions laid bare and songs fully realized with lush strings and piano (courtesy of David Helfgott, the inspiration for the movie Shine.) Silverchair singer/songwriter Daniel Johns outdoes himself with the sonic diversity and fragility of his tunes, especially the ethereal, delicate ballads, with the powerful "Dearest Helpless" smacking of Kurt Cobain at his most beautifully tormented. From the gentle "Miss You Love" to the punky-aggro "Spawn Again" to the flat-out speedy rocker "Satin Sheets," Silverchair have created a haunting, edgy, seductive soundtrack to a young life deeply felt. --Katherine Turman Amazon.com

Great Album

This is an amazing album. One of the best Silverchair albums ever. They are so amazing!!! June 11, 2008

Silverchair Continue Progression on NEON BALLROOM...4.5 stars...

Back in 1995 when FROGSTOMP came out, Silverchair's three members were only 15 years old, but needless to say many were impressed with their skills at such an age. Their debut was a fierce blend of aggression and angst packaged neatly in nuggets of throttling guitar rock. FREAK SHOW still had its fair share of metallic grunge but also balanced it off with some varied textures. NEON BALLROOM continues their experiments with melody while sprinkling in some orchestration, keyboards, and lush arrangements to add depth to their sonic assault. While NEON BALLROOM does have its share of Kurt Cobain-esque moments, more often than not its a very impressive trip through all 12 tracks.

Take for instance the lush opening track "Emotion Sickness", which features piano great David Helfgott on keyboards. Here vocalist/guitarist Daniel Johns, bassist Chris Joannou, and drummer Ben Gillies showcase a completely sparse yet lavish six minutes of glossy but dramatic rock. It doesn't hurt that the song sounds like it could be many different suites, but there are moments during the song where Silverchair sound much older than their years. First single "Anthem For The Year 2000" is an arena-sized nugget of stadium metal that makes you want to stomp your feet more than not. It's the gentler moments that really surprise you, from the gentle, sweeping grandeur of "Miss You Love" to the silvery power ballad that is "Ana's Song (Open Fire)", which tells the tale of Daniel Johns battle with anorexia. But Silverchair still love to show that they can rock, such as the fierce and angry guitars that dominate the grindcore of "Spawn Again", which is a fiery slice of animal defense. "Satin Sheets" has punk attitude written all over it with the thrashing guitars and pounding drums. Again, so many texures to be found on BALLROOM. Other tracks like "Point of View" and "Black Tangled Heart" mix together the majestic and the monster.

Overall, Silverchair really display a sense of craft and majesty on NEON BALLROOM. Whether you like this side of Silverchair or not depends on your dedication to the changes a young band will go through. BALLROOM displays some real strength and progress, one that would come to full realization on DIORAMA.

P.S. Look for Silverchair's new album YOUNG MODERN due out April.
January 9, 2007

amazing

For lack of any better words, this is an album you MUST HAVE. Besides the fact that these guys are amazing songwriters, they present it so well and fluid-like. Everything seems perfectly in place. Great lyrics too. May 24, 2006

Silverchair's best work...

I am the proud owner of every Silverchair album and I have to say, this one is my favorite. Every song is amazing. Their incredible talent really shines through. I have always considered Daniel Johns a lyrical genius but I relate to his lyrics more so on this album than any other. If a song has the ability to send chills down my spine, it's a damn good song in my opinion. Well, this whole album gave me chills. "Steam will Rise" is my personal favorite. The ending when the music cuts out and all you hear is Daniel's voice...amazing. His voice is his own instrument. I definitley recommend this album. If you weren't a Silverchair fan before, you will be now. May 20, 2006

"A breeding ground for hate..."

Silverchair's Neon Ballroom has to be the most personal and heartwrenching album of all time. Frontman Daniel Johns battle with anorexia is the main theme explored on this introspective disc. The track Open Fire (Ana's Song) John's talks openly and bluntly about having and coping with the diaease known as anorexia, "I love you to the bones, and Ana wrecks your life like an anorexia life." Miss you love is a gorgeous song with self-loathing lyrics:"I'm not,not too sure how it feels to handle everyday like the one who just passed in the crowds of all the people..." Do you feel the same, and Paint pastel Princess are about overcoming loneliness and staying clear of prescription pills. The best song on the album is Black Tangled Heart which John's declares:"Maybe you'll kill yourself before i get a turn, maybe i'll fall in love and never learn." Point of View and Anthem for the year 2000 are also standout tracks. John's voice is so strong and powerful, he is using all the strength he possibly has in his tiny body to get his words out. A stunning and therapeutic masterpiece, Neon Ballroom will have you begging for more. April 26, 2006

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