Review Summary: Amazing album that will leave you speechless, you need to listen to it at least a dozen times to let the beauty and intelligence of it sink it. A masterpiece...
I remember when I first purchased Diorama in 2002, I was a baffled 18 yr old..."This is Silverchair?" I asked myself. I remember listening to the album and not "getting it." I automatically liked Without You and would play the album without really listening to it. I kept putting it in my CD player and before I knew it I started to "hear" it. The luscious musical arrangements, the earnestness in Daniel Johns sweeping, clear, haunting vocals...I was hooked. Diorama has been an obsession of mine. I recently started playing it again and I've been listening to it everyday for the past six months or so.
You just can't believe this is Silverchair, wasn't Daniel Johns supposed to be an Eddie Veddar soundalike (granted he only sounded like Veddar on Frogstomp)? Weren't Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou just regular drummers and bassist??? That's what most people might think if they remember Silverchair from the early 90s. Daniel Johns has emerged as a musical genius who was given an opportunity that he took advantage of. As teens Silverchair were just as good as any other band...as adults (20-22 when Diorama was made and released)they are musical veterans who aren't afraid to experiment and push their boundaries. Give this album a shot keep in mind:
Silvechair doesn't have the pressure to sell records like many musicians feel. Of course they want to sell albums but they stay true to their craft and they won't sell out. You are listening to 100 % pure and honest music...no auto tuning here
Silverchair pushes boundaries and goes to no lengths to do so. On Diorama they enlisted the help of fellow genius Van Dyke Parks on Tuna in the Brine, Luv ur Life and Across the Night.
Daniel Johns can sing (and he is a self trained singer...I'm baffled...). Not only does his voice have an honest, sweet, unique tone, he hits high notes that will leave you speechless
This album resonates with colors...sure there are some somber tones such as the haunting My Favourite Thing but overall it is an album that allows listeners to escape,it takes you on a journey...
Favorite tracks:
Across the Night--amazing, try to visualize the song as you listen
Tuna in the Brine--the most brilliant song on this album, the lyrics, the arrangements, the way Daniel sings, the MEANING it is just beautiful
After all these Years--I love this song...if you've ever been through a battle in life you can appreciate this
My Favourite Thing--I overlooked this song for almost a decade, maybe I was too eager to get to the last track.
Luv ur Life--a catchy chorus, and wonderful arrangements make this lyrically simple song a standout
Without You--Johns vocals
This isn't an album that you can listen to once or twice and you realize what is good and what isn't (and there isn't anything bad). It grows on you with every listen. You will get so caught up in the beauty of some of the other songs you will overlook the splendor of the other gems on here.
I recommend listening to these songs live, Silverchair are an amazing live band and certain songs such as The Lever are given knew life when played life.
