Neon Ballroom
It's the easy way out to dwell on a group's supposed "maturation," but considering the members of Silverchair were 14 when they released theirdebut albumand are a whopping 20 years old with this outing, it's entirely appropriate, not to mention accurate. From a band of any age, though,Neon Ballroomis a stunner of an album. And it's also leaps and bounds beyond the Australian trio's two previous efforts, good if derivative grunge/classic-rock fare interpreted by impressionable young musicians. From the epic, dramatic opening cut, "Emotion Sickness," to "Ana's Song (Open Fire),"Neon Ballroomis a 12-song collection rife with emotions laid bare and songs fully realized with lush strings and piano (courtesy ofDavid Helfgott, the inspiration for the movieShine.) Silverchair singer/songwriter Daniel Johns outdoes himself with the sonic diversity and fragility of his tunes, especially the ethereal, delicate ballads, with the powerful "Dearest Helpless" smacking ofKurt Cobainat his most beautifully tormented. From the gentle "Miss You Love" to the punky-aggro "Spawn Again" to the flat-out speedy rocker "Satin Sheets," Silverchair have created a haunting, edgy, seductive soundtrack to a young life deeply felt.--Katherine Turman