Liam Finn @ The Corner Hotel,Melbourne (19/08/2011)

Mon 22nd Aug, 2011 in Gig Reviews

Playing before an enthusiastic sold-out crowd, Kiwi Liam Finn would indulge in an electrifying performance.

The sold-out Corner Hotel offered up an emphatic ovation as Liam Finn took to the stage, and soon an auspicious instrumental ensued. With his trademark loop-work in full swing, Finn constructed a gravely, grunge-inspired riff before taking station at his drums, slamming the sticks with thunderous punishment onto his kit. The boisterous beginning cued the arrival of the Naughty Walrus – yet another alias for the ensemble, as per the spirit of their tour – as Liam drove the chaos to a crashing halt. The sudden serenity paved the way for some audience participation. “You’re pretty good!” squeaked a voice lost somewhere within an amused audience. Its innocence would catch Liam off guard, a smile emerging. “You guys are fucking awesome!” he replied, ready to continue his stellar early-evening form.

The title track from his debut album I’ll Be Lightning would officially open the set, meandering with a silky-smooth, lounge-lizard ambiance. Anyone familiar with Liam Finn’s live fare would certainly appreciate its transition to this newly-acquired band formation. Though equally as excellent, the addition of an ensemble proves a different beast entirely, granting a multitude of layers and new sense of exuberance to the execution of Finn’s craft. The cohesion of the group is terrific, and it was refreshing to see his earlier material flourish within a live, collaborative setting. The likes of Better To Be in particular benefited greatly; its rousing stop-start guitar strikes defining one of the evening’s many highlights.

New single Cold Feet indulged in a funky swagger, with a series of lush, harmonised sighs breaking alongside a cool reggae vibe. The jaunty Energy Spent saw the venue in fine voice, Liam’s sentiments returned to the stage with fervor. When a return to newer material was due, a ferocious distorted roar announced The Struggle. Its grimy, garage-rock energy took flight, a silver-tongued Liam spitting fierce sentiments amidst a gritty vehemence. By contrast, the seductive strut of Real Late exuded patience and poise. Both, however, illustrated the irresistible audacity of Liam’s latest album Fomo, demonstrating his wares as a pop writer.

Another new song would soon follow in Roll Of The Eye. “Boy oh boy am I going to get on the drums in this one…” Finn promised, prior to the performance. In a real treat for followers of the extended Finn family, Liam could frequently be seen stationed beside his brother and bandmate Elroy; the pair thrashing with calamity on their respective kits. Their intensity – made of flailing limbs and drum sticks cracking upon cymbals – is a joy to witness and would go a long way to creating much of their set’s allure.

Fan favourite Second Chance followed in all of its jagged, jangly glory, whilst the finale, Lead Balloon, would unfold with a similar potency. Liam, incensed, convulsing and utterly swept up in the jam would pour absolutely everything into one last hurrah. Setting down a squealing Theremin, a return to the drums was in order. Naturally, a scintillating solo ensued before the brothers would bash out one last solo together. “Everything’s broken so we’re gonna have to go off! See you Melbourne!” called Liam, alerted to Jol Mullholland’s continued tussle with technical difficulties.

Much to the delight of the Corner crowd, Finn would return to the stage with his ensemble in tow. The obtuse Jump Your Bones provided an intriguing departure from proceedings before Wide Awake On The Voyage Home would leave Liam and EJ to excel in a terrifically tender collaboration. “We’d like to leave you with this little jam!” Liam would scream before embarking on one final stint on drums, finishing the evening in much the same way as it began.

Overall, Liam Finn demonstrated his savage stage expertise and conducted an enthralling spectacle, leaving nothing behind. The evening ultimately proved that his transition from solo performer to front man warrants immediate investigation; his ensemble offering a comprehensive master class in performance. Highly recommended.