Silverchair, Diorama

By Sara Grawbarger

Imagine anticipating the birth of a baby boy, but having a girl instead. You still fall in love with her because of who and what she is, but your expectations are certainly blown away.

Silverchair’s new album, Diorama, will likely cause a similar reaction for many.

The album, co-produced by Daniel Johns, is more melodic than previous Silverchair albums. It incorporates a diverse selection of instruments, such as brass, and more complex vocals. Songs, such as "The Greatest View" and "One Way Mule" contain heavier guitar parts reminiscent of classic Silverchair. However, there are songs, like "After All These Years" which take a completely new direction. Piano and keyboard arrangements run through many tracks, and the orchestra becomes quite significant to their sound.

Johns’ lyrics have also evolved since Neon Ballroom. Word play is increasingly involved, utilizing double meanings for many of the album’s lyrics. Johns borrows images from the physical world to employ metaphors, giving listeners a chance to interpret the meanings in their own right.

Diorama is a refreshing surprise, compared to many bands whose sound remains static and stale, or worse, conforms to the norm.