Silverchair’s new album “Young Modern” has fallen well short of my expectations. I have been a passionate Silverchair fan since their debut album released in 1995. Their previous albums gave me no reason to hesitate before purchasing “Young Modern.” Unfortunately, I find myself looking at the disc in disgust as it sleeps within the sleeve of my CD case.
Silverchair will always be one of my favorite bands. Prior to “Young Modern,” I had never met a Silverchair song I didn’t like. It hurts me to say this, but this is one album to leave on the store shelves. My best advice is to try not to buy it. I know it is Silverchair. I know they rock. Truth is, “Young Modern” contains nothing that Silverchair fans really desire.
The members of the brand grew up in Australia. As childhood friends, they formed a band out of boredom. While still very young, their song “Tomorrow” began gaining attention and eventually launched their careers. After a couple changes to the band’s name, the Australian-based group invaded the shores of America in 1995 when “Tomorrow” became the most played song of the year by U.S. modern rock radio.
It’s no secret Silverchair has recently undergone a serious makeover. I can’t even imagine who their target audience is now. Let’s just say, it isn’t me. With the exception of “Straight Lines,” the songs are immature, pointless, and just plain annoying. “Straight Lines” is a beautiful tune but is drastically over-dramatized by the voice of Daniel Johns. The song would be amazing if it weren’t for the awkward whining noises the singer adds in an attempt to sound emotional. It bothers me to think that someone in the studio thought it sounded well enough to sell.
There is no shame in being a Silverchair fan, but “Young Modern” is awful. I’d be embarrassed to listen to this one in public. Times change and Siverchair has changed along with it. The hard rock they were once known for is nowhere to be found. Although a few songs attempt to pick up the pace, the lyrics remain too childish and dumb to make it an enjoyable experience.
The band has experienced a few health fluctuations, but I feel let down. When trying to think of whom Silverchair sounds like now, the name Elton John keeps coming to mind. I can appreciate some Elton John now and then, but that is not the sound I want from a Silverchair album.
The gap of difference between this album and previous albums is immense. It is like nothing they have done before. I have listened to “Young Modern” many, many times now in hopes that it would grow on me. Bands should always try new things, but they shouldn’t sell garbage simply because they have generated a large fan base that isn’t hesitant to buy.
1 Comment
May 27, 2009 at 5:44 am
i couldn’t possibly agree more with every word said here. the chair blows now. hey i like the pic at the top of your page, haven’t thought about commander keen in about a decade hahahaha