New album explores great depths
By: Darcie Paterson
In 1995, one Australian band began its journey to superstardom when they were only 16 years old. They have gone on to become Australia's most successful rock band. That band is, Silverchair.
With the release of their fourth studio album, Diorama, Silverchair has evolved from the angry teenagers of their first album, Frogstomp, to mature adults exploring the depths of singer/songwriter/guitarist Daniel Johns mind.
Along with Johns, bassist Chris Joannou and drummer Ben Gillies used a key component to creating a very cinematic album - an orchestra.
Another component of creating a cinematic album was recruiting the assistance of legendary collaborator, Van Dyke Parks. Parks has worked with high calibre bands such as The Beach Boys and U2.
"It was my real desire to reward Daniel's courage, cause I haven't seen anything like it since I worked for Brian Wilson," said Parks.
Johns created this world on Diorama from personal experiences, and where he is in life.
"As a step beyond writing about pain, when you can express the pinnacle of happiness, then I think you've achieved the most artistically rewarding thing you can. So I'm moving towards that," said Johns.
The album takes you on a journey of self-realization from the dream-like epic, Across the Night to the reminiscent, piano-driven, After All These Years. There are no disappointments on this album, with every song evoking a different emotion within the listener.
"Busking for change and changing everything
Feeble fables aren't changing many things
It's my time to shine like a tuna in the brine
For my pregnant paws aren't changing anything"
-Tuna in the Brine
This album has certainly brought them a long way from their days as angry teenagers.
"On Freakshow it was all about anger. Which when you're a teenager, especially a teenage male, anger is almost an emotion you're proud of," said Johns.
The anger faded after the release of Freakshow but turned into depression for the orchestral based album, Neon Ballroom. Johns received critical acclaim for his moving interpretation of his battle with anorexia in the song Ana's Song (Open Fire).
All that has changed on Diorama, Johns has begun to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
"I think it's just the first time that I've painted with every colour that I could find rather than just painting with shades of grey and black," said Johns.
Johns has also favoured the writing style of a jaded lover in a majority of his songs. Proclaiming his love for someone but with the undertone of fear.
"You brigthen my life like a polystyrene hat
But it melts in the sun like a life without love
But I've waited for you so I'll keep crying out
Without you"
-Without You
While listening to this album, you can't help but be astounded at how Johns can take everything that happens in his life and mould it into a beautiful medley with deep lyrics.
As an entire band and for Johns as a songwriter, Silverchair does not get the recognition they deserve. If more listeners and critics could look beyond the past when Silverchair was referred to as "Nirvana in pyjamas," they might find a band they could relate to.
Johns has said that he writes these songs because he doesn't have a CD that he can put on and relate to. Therefore he is creating something for everyone else to know that they are not the only one with these problems.
"That's been the most positive thing that's come out of my career as a musician. Just to know that people have been helped by words that I've written and music that I've written," said Johns.
Now that Johns has opted for a happier state of mind in his writing, the fans are realizing that they too can achieve happiness. If you are a fan of Silverchair you know that this happiness has come from quite a long period of struggling. The fans that went through the range of emotions with him are growing and moving right along with Johns.
If you are new to listening to Silverchair or an old fan you are definitely going to get your money's worth with this album. The journey through Diorama is one of great proportions. Music lovers everywhere will have no trouble realizing that this CD is one that will never go out of style.
"Across the night
It was the moon that stole my slumber
Across the night
I fell in love with people sleeping"
-Across the Night
*All quotes taken from Diorama CD-Rom interviews
