Neon Ballroom Review - Australian Music Biz
The music industry had an insight into "Tomorrow" when a trio of youngsters from Newcastle hit number one with a classic pop tune. They were written off early by many, but returned to prove that they weren't just 'Freaks'. Now back with their third offering, they are cementing their names into world rock history.

The latest offering from silverchair has been widely anticipated amongst music watchers worldwide. Their 1997 hit album Freak Show displayed a side of lead singer and songwriter Daniel Johns that hasn't been seen before. Even with the first installment, Frogstomp, Johns proved that he was a master of the pop song, with the track "Tomorrow" becoming the biggest Australian single of the decade.
Freak Show harboured many more classic pop tunes such as "Freak" and "The Door," however Johns showed a maturity and songwriting genius with the track "Cemetery", which was a teaser for the new CD.
Early reports had David Helfgott playing on the album and closer to the release, the story of John's eating disorder surfaced. Then to throw a spanner in the works, the first single, "Anthem for the Year 2000" was another stomping pop tune, which wouldn't have been out of place on Frogstomp or Freak Show. It received lukewarm reviews, but the anticipation of the album still remained.
Finally here, the CD has not disappointed. From the opening track, the brilliance of Daniel Johns is glaringly obvious. He composed all tracks on the disc while on a break from the band after touring Freak Show. He has been quoted as saying that he wasn't happy with the lyrics of Freak Show and set out to create a record he would be happy with.
The lyrics have matured greatly, with the much publicised "Ana's Song" (about John's eating disorder) just one example of the sensitivity and thought. The album opens with "Emotional Sickness", a six minute epic featuring David Helfgott's amazing piano skills with orchestra to boot. The video clip is also provided for use on PCs, directed by 1998 Race Around the World contestant, Cate Anderson. It is a classic- nothing else can describe the weaving of pop, rock and classical influences into a musical experience. The second track is the (much better) album version of "Anthem For The Year 2000", followed by "Ana's Song". The heavy rock kicks in with "Spawn Again", which will please many of their original fans. Another pop ballad classic (and potential single) "Miss You Love" is another of the album's highlights, also enlisting the help of a string section.
The twelve tracks are a mixture of emotion, metal, sweetness and light. The album will sit with any of the past rock classics and Daniel Johns has taken his seat in first class on the rock 'n roll plane. When you buy the album, you will find yourself sitting and staring at the stereo, while listening for the seventh time to an album which is one of the best Australia has ever produced. Never has music so closely resembled art.