Silverchair

Silverchair came under great scrutiny when they first appeared on the scene in 1994, with a sound that was obviously a replication of Nirvana. While the group's following has dipped considerably Stateside from when they first burst on the scene, the Australian trio has managed to retain a sizable following in their homeland, which served as the locale for their 2003 concert album, Live from Faraway Stables. A mammoth release, the four-disc set consists of two CDs and two DVDs, and includes the group's entire performance from August 19, 2003, when two sets were performed -- one comprised of their more tranquil tunes, and a second comprised of rockin' compositions. For those who still think of the group as a grunge clone, the first disc here should change your mind, especially on such tracks as the piano ballad "After All These Years" and the surprisingly poppy "Ana's Song." Elsewhere though, tracks such as "Petrol & Chlorine" sound like your average "rock band gets a symphonic overhaul" fare. But what would a Silverchair release be without some blaring rock & roll? Disc two delivers, including "Israel's Son" (which indeed does sound like a Nirvana B-side) and the monstrous riff rocker "Anthem for the Year 2000." With the same track listing replicated song for song on the DVD as the CD, Live from Faraway Stables is obviously aimed at die-hard Silverchair devotees. ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide