New York (USA), Feb. 12, 2007

A STRAIGHT LINE TO THE TOP
By Paul Letendre
paulletendre@hotmail.com
New York City's Bowery Ballroom

After an extensive break following their sold-out Across The Night world tour, Silverchair have finally returned to New York City's Bowery Ballroom for their first international appearance in over three years. Much to the band's surprise, the gig sold out without any advertising beyond the band's official website the day tickets went on sale. It would be an understatement to say that North American Silverchair fans are anticipating their first glimpse into the world of the band's upcoming new album, 'Young Modern'.

When the band walked on stage to what sounded like an increasing heart beat, the crowd surged forward to get as close to their rock heroes as possible. Unexpectedly, the band chose the 'Diorama' favorite 'Without You' to open their set for the first time. Fans recite the song word-for-word at a maximum volume that brings a smile to the face of frontman Daniel Johns. "I'm not nervous anymore", Johns says to the crowd after the band previews one of their newest tracks, 'Young Modern Station', a pounding rock/dance number. But it was the sold-out sing-a-long to Silverchair's latest single 'Straight Lines' that indicates the potential of this band reclaiming their success on American soil.

The band have recaptured the raw spirit of a rock band on stage, and are clearly confident in the musicianship they share together. Drummer Ben Gillies and Bassist Chris Joannou smile often and interact with Johns during regular improvistations that the band is known to do during songs like "Emotion Sickness", and "The Door".

Daniel Johns says he enjoy's playing live more than ever these days; a statement hard to question after hearing an on-stage joke he makes about a koala bear and a lizard smoking reefer together. He chats comfortable with the crowd, and when one fan shouts for a hand-shake right before the band launched into 'The Door', Johns says he'll shake his hand, but first he needs to play a few kick ass solos. After a pogo-fest ensues to the live favorite from the band's Freak Show album, and a few minutes of playing his guitar Hendrix-style with his teeth, Johns keeps his word. The fans admiration and dedication seems to have strengthen during the band's temporary absence, as indicated by the calls of "Welcome back to America!" in between songs.

The highights are far too many to count, but the shining moment of the show comes mid-set with the unexpected live return of the Diorama centerpiece, 'Tuna In The Brine'. Walls of strings are replaced by the happiest piano man alive in the upper right corner of the stage, Paul Mac. Johns' long-time friend and collaborator on their new group The Dissociatives contributes Kraftwerk-inspired noises to the band's new music and may be a regular face on the band's future tour schedule.

With such a good number of solid and ear-candy catchy material, it seems the band could have chosen a more well-rounded song from their later catalog to end their set with than their 1997 adolescent hit 'Freak', but the crowd may have argued with such a statement given their reaction and demand for an encore (over three consecutive "Silverchair" chants later).

Before bidding farewell to the audience, the band debuted another new song titled 'If You Keep Losing Sleep' - a 'Live And Let Die' style number with multiple tempo shifts featuring orchestral arrangements courtesy of lenegdary Beach Boys 'Smile' collaborator Van Dyke Parks. 'The Lever' served as the final song of the night, with a drawn out stoner rock ending and some of drummer Ben Gillies best fills of the night.

In the current music scene that is dominated by less than second best songwriters and pop stars who spontaneously shave their heads, American music fans (and the players of the industry) know it's time for a change. Up until now, it's been a serious question as to who has got what the chops that put the flavor back in your mouth. The answer was served tonight at the Bowery Ballroom on a 'silver' platter. Yes, it's true. The band is back together, and their flattering new album 'Young Modern' may just fill the void that's been burned in the center of the American music industry for far too many years. In America, Silverchair really is "walking in a straight line", right to the top of the charts.

(Set List)
Without You
Emotion Sickness
The Greatest View
World Upon Your Shoulders
Across The Night
Young Modern Station
Ana's Song (Open Fire)
Straight Lines
Tuna In The Brine
Luv Your Life
The Door
Don't Wanna Be The One
Mind Reader
Freak

(Encore)
If You Keep Losing Sleep
The Lever