:: Diorama

silverchair

This has been an eagerly awaited album. After a lengthy absence, silverchair now set about a new phase in their career, with this excellent, mature record. Mature being obvious because the guys have naturally grown into a more experienced thought pattern and the songs create a strong imagery. This fourth album by the band is their best work to date. There’s no time to relax with the deeds already achieved. There is a new vision to scope and, with huge orchestral elements and big ballads, “Diorama” has much style and substance that will grow even more to outstanding heights over the course of the next few months. But it doesn’t surprise any keen music listener. It was always felt that their early recordings (as mid-teenagers) were just the start of a substantial career. I thoroughly enjoyed their “Neon Ballroom” album because Daniel Johns and his colleagues started to look at progressive song arrangements (classical sounds came in). You’ll remember the affinity Daniel showed towards the music of Frank Sinatra, for instance. With this new album, they go further in their exploration and the execution is passionate and energetic. “The Greatest View” has deservedly been a hit single. Other highlights to note are “Luv Your Life”, a cool, uplifting tune, and “The Lever”, more hard-hitting rock that will really please their followers. Great credit to silverchair for the level of musicianship (enhanced proportions of melody and varied sounds) and the fervent performance of the songs. Highly recommended.