Press
01-03-1999
"Neon Ballroom" Review
(Rip it Up (New Zealand))
The first album was an overnight success, the follow up takes a similar
path musically and is even bigger, going massive in America. And the
world awaits with baited breath for the next one. Yes it's that
difficult third album syndrome. And silverchair have pulled it off,
just... Opening track Emotion Sickness is a grandiose bouquet of subtle
elegance. It orally swoons, Daniels Johns' engaging voice runs in
perfection with David Helfgott's elaborate piano accompanient. Another
show stoper (i.e., you can't mosh to it) is the delightful Ana's Song
(Open Fire), Miss You Love is also a classic, with a chorus that lodges
instantly. But if only the album continued in this pattern. silverchair
seem apprehensive of moving away from their fan base. So the post
grunge songs are here in plenty, sure they do them well, but all the
time you know Daniel John's songwriting skill has progressed beyond
playing three chords and shouting very loudly. The single Anthem For
The Year 2000 will no doubt be next to Prince on playlists this New
Year's eve, but Spawn Again is just awful. Yet if Daniel has the
strength to follow his convictions, their next album could quite
possibly be a landmark record. Here's hoping.
Rating: 3 1/2 stars out of 5
[Thanks to Steph for the transcript.]