completed their secondary education

By late 1997, the trio had completed their secondary education, and, from May 1998, they worked on their third album, Neon Ballroom , with Launay producing again. It was released in March 1999 and peaked at the number-one position in Australia. Australian rock music historian Ian McFarlane said, “As well as being the band’s best album to date, it was universally acknowledged as one of the best albums of the year.” The band originally intended to take a 12-month break, but in the end they decided to devote their time to making music. Neon Ballroom provided three Australian top-20 singles: ” Anthem for the Year 2000 “, ” Ana’s Song (Open Fire) ” and ” Miss You Love “; a fourth single, “Paint Pastel Princess”, did not reach the top 50. The albums charted well internationally: Freak Show reached No. 2 in Canada, and Neon Ballroom reached No. 5. Both reached the top 40 on the United Kingdom Albums Chart . ” Abuse Me ” reached No. 4 on Billboard ‘ s Hot Modern Rock Tracks and Hot Mainstream Rock Tracks charts. “Ana’s Song (Open Fire)” peaked at No. 12 on the Hot Modern Rock Tracks.