Music Club
Albums Review
Liam Finn
I'll Be Lightning
I’ll be Lightning has a gloriously homemade feel that works well because the performer is A, a talented songwriter, B, has a lovable voice, and C, the confidence of A and B. Liam Finn delivers his often wistful, sensitive tunes with a big pop heart and a bucketful of sweet melodies. And he’s not scared to rock out behind the drums when he feels like it. The opening Better To Be is a decent indicator of the album - charming vocals and good natured hooks combining with ease and subtlety. Lead Balloon is up-tempo raw rock-pop led by his funky drum break-beat. Fire In Your Belly is crushingly beautiful, and Lullaby has a soothing hint of Brian Wilson in Pet Sounds mood.
Three years ago Finn moved to London from his native New Zealand with his band Betchadupa. He soon realised being in a rock band was restricting his musical desires and split from the band. Coupled with the break up of a long term relationship it became the inspiration for much of this impressive debut album. Live, Finn and his co-performer Elisa Jane (daughter of Australian pop legend Jimmy Barnes) record guitar, keys and bass loops, filling out the sound and freeing him to leap behind the drums and thump away happily. The album captures this loose and highly listenable spirit - just wrap your ears around the glorious late 60’s psychedelic love and peace inspired title track.
Oh, and by the way, I forgot to mention, his dad’s Neil Finn from Crowded House.
