Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning (Album)

Because every review and article for the artist Liam Finn invariably begins with a reference to his family, let’s make this a quick introduction. Yes, Liam is Neil Finn’s son (he of Crowded House and Split Enz fame,) and is also the nephew of Tim Finn (Split Enz front man and one-time member of Crowded House). But don’t let any preconceptions about this guy’s lineage taint your experience of Liam’s debut solo release, because this is one person who deserves to be treated as an accomplished artist in his own right. And if I have to personally come to your house and blindfold you whilst you listen to the disc to convince you, then expect me to call around sometime soon!

I’ll Be Lightning plays like a diary of Liam’s life over the past few years. It is highly personal and covers the whole gamut of emotions- the elation of taking his band, Betchadupa to England, only for them to be tested (something which could have contributed to the current, self-imposed hiatus) and Finn’s more hurtful experiences like the end of a long-term relationship and the bereavement felt for a close family friend, which obviously effected his emotional, yet honest breed of song writing.

The album opens with ‘Better To Be,’ an alliterative frenzy that is so catchy it immediately fuses to your brain and is virtually impossible to get out of your thoughts. It is funky and repetitive with melodious vocals that close with the brooding lyric, “Maybe I’ll go home”.

The following track and initial single from the release is ‘Second Chance.’ A great pop ditty of bouncy music juxtaposed by melancholy lyrics and an especially fun video clip to boot. Here’s a sample:
“You stand around your haunted home/ Those demons won’t leave you alone/ Don’t forget me when you grow old”.

Conversely, ‘Gather To The Chapel’ is a mature ballad. It conjures up the image of a fifties band fronted by a clean-shaven, Brylcreem-coifed, front man in a suit, crooning to a more innocent audience.

‘Lead Balloon’ is the antithesis of the mellow, former track. Beginning with a Jebediah-esque riff, it could have appeared on ‘Slightly Odway’ sandwiched between ‘Leaving Home’ and ‘Teflon.’ It is burgeoning with youthful exuberance and a jovial nature that makes you want to go and perform a cheeky prank after hearing it. Also, when this song is performed live it is a clear favourite with the crowd, thanks to the killer theremin played at the end. At Finn’s previous Sydney show Jimmy Barnes got up on stage during this number to sing along with Finn and daughter, EJ, a memorable spectacle indeed.

Following this is ‘Fire In Your Belly’ which begins with a riff that is not overly dissimilar to Betchadupa’s song, ‘Life Will Be The Same.’ This is a romantic tune about longing, as Finn pines to be content and with the love of his life. Meanwhile, ‘Lullaby’ sees Liam make a promise of protection for his love so that she can safely slumber.

Midway into the disc is ‘Energy Spent,’ a song that most resembles Neil Finn’s solo music. Soft lyrics see Liam meander down a country road. The saccharine nature continues with ‘Wiseman’ seeing Finn gain messianic proportions with this sweet, otherworld, sing along that concludes with a wonderfully atmospheric ending.

‘This Place Is Killing Me’ travels to darker terrain and despite containing private lyrics; it could have easily been a Betchadupa song thanks to its sheer power. Flitting between acoustic guitar and a bouncy rhythm, for some reason the music reminds me of Midnight Oil’s ‘US Forces.’

The subsequent song and title track begins with a playful giggle and features Finn’s fellow band mate, Matt Eccles, Neil Finn and Connan Hosford (Connan and The Mockasins). Finally, the album draws to a close with ‘Shadow Of Your Man,’ a Lennon-inspired piano ballad with subject matter every listener can relate to, “You don’t notice me but I know you well”.

Finn’s fine debut release of fourteen tunes covers the entire spectrum of human existence and emotion. Some may think that had a few songs been omitted, it may have been a punchier collection, but like all things in life it is inevitable that some will perceive this disc to have some foibles and imperfections. However, the idiosyncratic nature is part of its appeal and is what makes this album so endearing.

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