Genre Rock3 out of 5 stars
Beware, Silverchair’s follow-up to “Neon Ballroom” will shock both casual listeners and hardcore fans alike, especially those hoping the Australian grunge trio would return to their “roots.”
“Diorama,” which finally made its way to the United States on Aug. 27, picks up where “Ballroom” left off, solidifying the transition from Seattle-style grunge to the mellower, more poignant pop rock approach the band previewed in their previous album.
Silverchair began its rise to fame in 1994 when its single “Tomorrow” won an Australian talent contest. Even though the members were only 14, the band’s hit exploded throughout Australia, quickly making its way across Europe and to the United States. By 1995, the band released its first album, “Frogstomp.” Some critics dismissed the band as another Nirvana clone. Despite this opinion, “Frogstomp” was widely popular. The album sold millions of copies, and Silverchair became as popular as bands such as Pearl Jam on most alternative rock radio play lists.
In 1997, the band released its second album, “Freakshow,” with the single “Abuse Me.” Though the album was critically acclaimed, the album didn’t have the commercial success of “Frogstomp.” In 1999, “Neon Ballroom” came out with the popular ballad, “Ana’s Song (Open Fire).” The album introduced a new layer to the band’s usual repertoire with emotional songs complemented by string and piano accompaniment. This album was a foreshadowing of the band’s current release, “Diorama,” which signifies the continuing musical evolution of the band.
Beginning with the ’60s throwback, “Across the Night,” one gets an idea that this isn’t going to be the same Silverchair that fans of older hits such as “Tomorrow” and “Abuse Me” are used to. Singer/guitarist Daniel Johns’ voice has become increasingly melodious, and nearly half of the 11 tracks on the album include full orchestra accompaniment scored by Van Dyke Parks, a frequent Brian Wilson (of Beach Boys fame) collaborator. This scoring adds a new element to the band’s music, giving a polished sound to power ballads “World Upon Your Shoulders” and “After All These Years.” “Across the Night” and the trip-inducing “Tuna in the Brine” give the album a more refined, classic rock feel – further evidence of the eclectic influences on this new offering.
Despite the new sound, a couple of the songs on Diorama, such as “One Way Mule,” retain a hard rock edge reminiscent of hits from earlier albums “Frogstomp” and “Freakshow,” but this may only be a small consolation to fans who may feel that the boys from Newcastle are losing their edge. These listeners might be disappointed with “Diorama.” Of course, those who may have earlier written off the band as an unmotivated Nirvana rip-off might give it another look as the group sheds the last remains of cultural adolescence.
