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Saturday, March 29, 2008

Review

Split Enz at the Vector Arena



Neil Finn image (APN) NZ Herald review

Split Enz on Saturday night.

Consumate performance by the seasoned giants of the New Zealand sound, whatever that was. Their legacy of popular songs is both dream like and crazy happy trips into the fantasitc - elements of science fiction and pure rompping insanity decorate solid tunes that your memory will never release you from. Unlike many of the hooky tune genre, Enz songs are a joy to have rattling about in the chambers of internal radio. Their real genius is however the compositions and ideas in their music. Evident in an early roaring instrumental and other unreleased material from the seventies that could just as easily be released today and feel relevant. Reviewing rock shows is itself an art and I do not pretend to do that, but if I can make some sketchy impressions of the experience of the concert - it was that it left me with the feeling of a perfectly rounded show. A theatrical experience that held more sway that most dramatic productions. Staging with this level of visual resonance - is worthy of filming, proper filming with a director. The light show and back drops melded with the music - creating a new world.

The band were flawless. Tim Finn's lurching dance style recalled the asylum values of early Enz. Why the early Enz is so terrifically menancing - something quite unique in his voice. His solo in the middle of the show was joined by Eddie Rayner and some Neil. Neil's role in the band never felt lopsided, well nearly never. Consumate genius songwriter that he is.

Highlights of the night included Six Months in a Leaky Boat and History Never Repeats - I just wish I had this show on video.

How did the Vector Arena cope with the Enz?

Split Enz wisely played with a moderate mix. The venue has a concrete floor and lots of reflective surfaces that limits how much noise can be poured into the venue. With a moderate mix, however - the audience can hear every word and leave after the gig with their hearing intact. The floor is covered with seating. As soon as the band came on, everyone stood. Making the seating a danger and then the security felt they had to police the aisles. It was all a little pointless. Put a layer of rubber over the painted concrete and make a giant dance floor. Otherwise, the venue was suprisingly good. The lighting rig is spectacular when driven this well.

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