I remembered Silverchair as a Nirvana-like band from their debut in 1995. I honestly thought they’d be a novelty and fade away. Boy I was wrong when a friend re-introduced me to the band’s 2002 album Diorama. I was pleasantly shocked when I heard the album. They completely changed their sound to something very artsy, dare I saw progressive. Once I learned of a new album, I wanted to get some of their other albums like Freakshow and Neon Ballroom. With those albums I got to hear their evolution into the band they are today.
Now with their new album, Young Modern, they evolved yet again. Adding to their style is a glam-rock (70’s style) along with some nods to The Beatles. I’m very curious to know if the song Young Modern Station is a nod to David Bowie. Someday I’ll ask the band or someone that knows.
Anyways on Young Modern they experiment even further experiment while keeping a rather ear friendly songs like opening rocker track, “Young Modern Station” and a catchy piano driven “Straight Lines”, which happens to be their first single.
My favorite track besides the two I mentioned is the three part epic, Those Thieving Birds (Part 1)/Strange Behaviour/Those Thieving Birds (Part 2) which to me shows the bands true musical talent. It’s great to hear mainstream bands stretching out and trying new ways of creating music.
Along with Radiohead, Silverchair is the front runner to show others that it’s okay to experiment and step outside the box. Maybe this will show the record companies that there are bands out there like Silverchair. With albums like Young Modern, I feel things are good in the music world again. I can’t recommend this enough. I’d also recommend the deluxe edition with the DVD to watch them as well.
Reviewed by Ron Fuchs on October 2nd, 2007
