artist
[ahr-tist]
noun
1. Artist, artisan, artiste are persons having superior skill or ability, or who are capable of producing superior work.
I imagine all Daniel Johns devotees have been wondering when – or if – DJ would release anything at all after the dissolution of the iconic boys-to-men band, Silverchair.
To those adoring fans with the insatiable appetites for anything Daniel Johns – you may now stop champing at the bit; back in full-speed he is, releasing his much anticipated debut solo album, Talk.
The album opens with the proclaimed single, “Aerial Love”; Aerial, meaning light, peaceful, or airy, rings true to the entire album, actually. While singer/producer delivers his constant crisp, sharp-edged performance, we shouldn’t expect a teen-angst brigade to form anytime soon.
Stream “Aerial Love” below:
After nearly 20 years, Silverchair sadly – but deservingly – split. It had become apparent that they had been itching to try different material, go solo, or just experience something new.
Has Johns been happy since the group’s split? Well, if the album’s song titles are any indication (“We Are Golden”, “By Your Side”, “Cool Under Fire”), I am confident we can answer with a satisfying “yes”. 
Musically, the album maintains a certain dark R&B meets electronic-pop vibe, while flawlessly and meticulously integrating yummy melodies and well placed dynamic arches. Unlike the standard ballads of noted traditional R&B singers, Johns provides us with a unique and graceful twist that we’ve been hungry for. Of course, staying true to his roots, his voice is – per usual – bell-clear, untouched, and resounds over all other compelling sounds in play (and there are definitely many). Melodic as always, whether you like, love, or remain neutral towards the album, there is no denying that DJ has once again conquered each inflection, leaving us all undoubtedly singing along.
The dramatic opening bars of “Preach” are immediately capturing; the beautiful pain (or pleasure) in the chords continues to assuredly captivate you to uncover what is coming next. Additionally, the falsetto flow that seems to come easily and naturally to Johns, is hauntingly eerie and is delivered seamlessly.
One of the most sensual tracks on the album is “Too Many”, lending a perpetual seductive undertone that will have you calling that certain someone in no time. I will say, on even your sleepiest of nights, “Cool on Fire” will make you want to go dance all night at a club and lose yourself in the strobes. It’s nothing short of a feel-good tune that will have even the harshest cynic tapping their feet to the beat.
Probably my favorite of the album, “Dissolve”, is a gorgeous 80’s-esque tune – and potentially inspired by the “Brat-pack” movie theme songs – which is sure to stay in your head for the rest of the day.
To fans still Frog-Stomping their feet waiting for a similar release – they’re sure to be waiting forever. Talk aside, it was evident from each album released by the original Australian trio that they were going to continue to change with the times and experiment with new ideas, genres – even instruments (can we say “brass” in Diorama?).
Many respected artists experiment and change things up; look at Depeche Mode, Pink Floyd, Genesis – or take a page from David Bowie’s book. Why not reach that many more people in the world with music? It’s reinvention. It’s evolution. It’s brilliant.
Whatever your personal thoughts are on this vibrant new release, or the ever-maturing Daniel Johns, we’re sure to all be Talking about it for years to come.
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