So I’ve liked Neon Ballroom since the first time I heard it. It wasn’t one of those albums that took 3-5 listens before you really began to appreciate it. It was instantly gratifying for me. As most music from the 1996-2000 period causes me to reminisce about high school, I have noticed that this album doesn’t differ. This one is even more special to me for a specific reason, which I’ll expound upon later and you’ll likely find lame. Any who, I find that Neon Ballroom is very much Alternative, very much brilliant, and very much still one of my favorite compositions.
First song, “Emotion Sickness” is a great way to kick things off. Their use of orchestrated music throughout the duration of this song is a super creative way to put a new spin on this genre, though they’re not the first to have done that. What makes Silverchair and “Emotion Sickness” so great is that you don’t lose any of the rock feel. The orchestration only works for the better, to enhance, yet contrast the ingenious vocals and rough music. The smooth transition into the next track, “Anthem for the Year 2000” is effortless and before you knew it, you’re rockin’ out to a completely different sound. I love this song because (and get ready for the lameness) I graduated from high school this year, but before I did, I nominated this song to be our class song. Alas, we had some crappy Dave Matthews Band song that like 2 people on student council voted for and nobody remembers… but I digress. Not only are the music and vocals on this song really rugged, but the lyrics are just ironic because the perceptions of youth formed by older generations, and what our generation (and Silverchair) believed to be factual, are completely different. They bring this out heavily in lyrics dealing with the world having small minds to politicians knowing everything. I could rant for a while about this song, but will opt instead to tell you that it’s a memorable song, and with its heavy sound and thought provoking lyrics, you shouldn’t be disappointed.
“Ana’s Song (Open Fire)” is the reason I bought Neon Ballroom. Upon hearing this song, I just thought it was pretty, but later, to find out that the lyrics were so heartfelt and emotional, I just thought it was brilliant. It hauntingly begins with Daniel Johns’ vocals and acoustic guitar and later picks up in volume and percussion. It’s a slow paced rock anthem that deals with the eating disorder, anorexia; a battle that Johns’ had reportedly dealt with. It’s worth every bit of the 3:41 time that it presents itself. The fourth track, “Spawn Again” has absolutely no singing, but only yelling. The music is typical of what you’d expect from Silverchair, but what’s unexpected is the transition from beauty to the beast (the previous song to now). It’s very rugged and political as opposed to soft and personal. It appears to deal with (and I may be being too literal with lyrics) animal rights. Several times throughout the track, animals are mentioned a long with lyrics like, “… why can’t the livestock be free when trading soldiers for steak” and “these are the facts, so eat what you murder”. You can read them an determine for yourself their lyrical nature, but musically, “Spawn Again” is a good song.
“Miss You Love” is another song that is both pretty and percussive. It begins very softly with vocals and piano, but later picks up to be a bit harsher. These lyrics will have you singing a long pretty quickly. I feel like the lyrics are pretty cut and dry about a teenage breakup, which almost everyone can identify with; a trait that makes this song all the more personal. It’s great on so many levels: the beauty, the realness, the rock… it’s simply one of the best songs on the album. “Dearest Helpless” is once again, performed in true Silverchair style. The music is almost Nirvana-ish, but the vocals say otherwise. While not a bad song, it never gets too exciting for me. It’s pretty typical, never straying from the path of a safe choice. In fact, not only do I not find the music exciting, but the vocals leave a little bit to be desired. Again, not bad, just not their best in my opinion. I’d expect just a little more. The next track, “Do You Feel the Same” is a great song. It’s not only musically interesting, but it reminds me of music you’d hear on a Bush CD, with a few variances. This song makes several unique chord, harmony, and rhythmical choices. You figure that out in about the first 30 seconds of the song. The lyrics are simple and pleasantly performed. Also, there are a few chords in this song which sound dissonant (a musical technique that I’m a huge fan of). I love this song so much and feel it’s one of the reasons why I love Neon Ballroom like I do.