Silverchair has a ton of great songs not named “Tomorrow.” Although the band has been on an indefinite hiatus since 2011, they remain one of the most prominent Australian bands of all-time. In fact, 2015 was a big year for the Silverchair camp as it marked 20 years of their music and Daniel Johns released his first solo record entitled, Talk.
This time 20 years ago, Silverchair was in the middle of 46 date world tour (including opening for the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the One Hot Minute Tour) that took them to eight different countries over four continents. In addition, they began recording Freak Show, the follow-up to their mega-debut, Frogstomp.
As we reminisce about Silverchair and dig through their catalog, here are 10 dynamic and underrated (meaning hidden gems) songs. The only criteria in selecting these was the song had to be a non-single. That will be for part two.
“Emotion Sickness”
The Neon Ballroom and often a show opener. You could tell from the first few notes that the band took a giant step forward. “Distorted eyes, when everything is clearing dying-” Such a heavy line that fits so comfortably into a confessional song.
“Tuna in the Brine”
One of Daniel Johns personal favorites, it’s more of an adventurous journey as opposed to a traditional song, with the last 33 seconds serving as the grand finale. Complete with orchestral arrangements, this song encapatulates all the unique elements of Diorama.
“Asylum”
A Diorama B-Side and ballad that features just Johns and piano. In the vein of “After All These Years,” with an even gentler touch
“Black Tangled Heart”
The guitar intro and vocal melody that kicks it off is just beautiful. A perfect pairing of a breezy guitar riff and Johns sleek vocals.
“Faultline”
Most people know this as the song after “Tomorrow” aka – track three. That’s actually how I got introduced to it. “Faultline” suffers from stuffed-in-the-middle-of-the-monstrous-breakthrough syndrome, being sandwiched between two Frogstomp knockouts, “Tomorrow” and “Pure Massacre.” What makes the song is Johns’ falsetto run at the end of the chorus. A nice change up from the 15 year old who came out swinging. It’s the first song that really showed John’s incredible vocal range.
“Point of View”
Neon Ballroom is filled with hidden gems. Each song on the record is so different from each other and such a departure from previous signature Silverchair songs. It’s a bridge record as the band moved to a move progressive approach to songwriting with fuller production, but there are spots of straight-ahead rock still claimed. This is one of them and may be the most underrated of them all. “Point of View” never got much air time and rarely found its way into a setlist. Part old-school Silverchair, part new-school melodramatic, melodious punch. Johns works magic with his vocal deliveries here. You will make it through, with another point of view.
“Mind Reader”
One of the heavier, rock-based songs on the last record, Young Modern. The studio version has a raw live feel to it which is probably one of the reasons why this song was even better in concert. It was their modern day angry tune, featuring a taste of the 90’s Johns growl.
“Petrol and Chlorine”
The black sheep of early Silverchair. From Freak Show, it offers a completely different sound with sitar and strings.
“Do You Feel The Same”
A very simple, strigh-forward song, but better yet, it’s such an honest and strong question. Top notch rhythm section here by Ben Gillies and Chris Joannou as well
“Too Much of Not Enough”
There are numerous waves of melody in this song, combined with a powerful vocal delivery. It starts off nice and innocent before breaking into an aggressive undertone with potent lyrics. Such a great song title to boot. “A close look at something so close. All we need is just a taste.”
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