Grown up pop with an experimental edge, Liam Finn is one of those solo singer songwriter types that don’t just know how to write a pretty tune and strum a few guitar chords, but instead make huge albums that sound like the collective work of an army of creative and unique musicians.
There are plenty of crisp and clear melodies, and choruses worthy of a singalong. Liam’s definitely inherited some of his songwriting and singing skills from his dad (Crowded House front man Neil Finn) – but it’s the intricacies in between and imaginative instrumentation that make this album stand out.
These are mostly mysterious downbeat numbers that meander along with melancholy, the positive start that’ Better To Be’ and ‘Second Chance’ provide is far outnumbered by the miserable latter part of the album.
‘Lead Balloon’ stands out, with a frenzied energy more at home on a Flaming Lips single than its surroundings here. The trouble is, it’s one of those tracks that is bound to be liked only by those who don’t really think much of the rest of the album.
This is an album of awesome creativity if woolly jumpers, organic food and the countryside are your idea of a wild weekend, although it might take a few listens for you to warm to the more excitable tracks at the start.