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MUSIC
Crowded House ★★★★★
Palais Theatre, October 29
“It’s good to be home,” Neil Finn opened on Wednesday night, and damn, it was good to welcome them back. Crowded House are a hit-making machine, yet they’ve somehow dodged the uncool stigma that follows bands like U2 or Coldplay. Maybe it’s because they don’t take themselves too seriously. They’re deeply funny live. The whole vibe was casual and charming, like finding an excellent little pub band, but with immaculate sound, seasoned crew, and a surprisingly large merch spread.
Neil Finn said it was great for Crowded House to be home, much to the joy of the audience at the Palais on Wednesday night.Credit: Richard Clifford
The first set was acoustic, with the band play-acting as their own support act and renaming themselves “Crispy”. Not the finest band name, but “Crispy” delivered gorgeous versions of Pineapple Head, Four Seasons in One Day, and At the Station, featuring Vika and Linda Bull’s heavenly vocals.
Keeping it playful, Neil debated bassist Nick Seymour about birds. “All Australian birds are loud and sound Australian; New Zealand birds are lovely and less self-confident.” This led to guitarist Liam Finn launching into a patriotic version of The Lord of the Rings theme, ending a timeless bit of stage banter. They also played a great new track, It Was a Small Detail, which deserves to be a hit.
Crowded House were in fine form at the Palais this week.Credit: Richard Clifford
The second set was where things got rocking. Less banter, more hits, and a set like a Reg Mombassa fever dream. The Palais’ bolted chairs tried to keep us seated, but who could stay still through Distant Sun, When You Come, Better Be Home Soon, and To the Island? We even got playful, improvised snippets of the Bee Gees’ New York Mining Disaster and Devo’s Whip It. We just had to stand up so we could get down.
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A mid-set lull for newer songs gave way to the final triumphant run: Something So Strong, Don’t Dream It’s Over, Weather with You and Fall at Your Feet. Swaying and singing, the whole venue became a choir.
There are gigs, and then there are GIGS. This was the latter. And keep an eye on that support act, “Crispy”. Yes, they’re new, but now they’re getting somewhere.
