Music review: The Chills, Silver Bullets

Martin Phillipps of The Chills. Photograph by Jason Oxenham

It's time to celebrate with Martin Phillipps. Life hasn't always been easy for the man who is the Chills, but here's hoping that he's feeling especially satisfied following the release of his band's first album in 19 years.

Yes, 19 years is a long time between albums in anyone's language. Thankfully there's every reason to celebrate the arrival of Silver Bullets and to savour a Chills album that's exceptionally good.

In 2013 the Chills released what was to become a teaser for Silver Bullets, with the single Molten Gold.

The single heralded a return to the highest standards of the Chills repertoire, with the insistent jangly melody, and an urgency that boded well.

The good news is that the other 10 tracks on Silver Bullets maintain that freshness and are equally appealing. Not only is Martin Phillipps and his current Chills line-up in fine form vocally but his song-writing also has an edge and is right up there with his best.

Wry at times, tongue in cheek, and downright acerbic where the subject matter demands it. His melodic guitar work is a highlight.

Standout tracks for me are TomBoy, America says Hello, Pyramid/When the poor can reach the Moon, the title track Silver Bullets and Molten Gold.

Special mention is required of the current Chills incarnation. Erica Scally on violin, piano, guitar and backing vocals, James Dickson on bass, 12 string, keyboards, Oli Wilson keyboards, backing vocals and percussion, and Todd Knowson drums, Santoor, backing vocals and percussion.

This just may be Martin Phillipps' finest hour.

5/5 stars