Tim Finn - The View IsWorth The Climb

Thu 8th Sep, 2011 in Music Reviews

Veteran song-smith Tim Finn is nothing short of an icon, his ascent to stardom forged via seminal new wave outfit Split Enz, a stint in Crowded House, side-projects with sibling Neil and an array of acclaimed solo endeavours. Whereas his recent compilation Anthology celebrated the Kiwi’s career, The View Is Worth The Climb presents the next chapter: a mellow, deftly romantic plateau that swiftly justifies his place in the contemporary music landscape.

Those familiar with Finn’s last solo project, The Conversation, can expect a return to a certain intimate charm. This new release, however, frequently sees Finn’s song craft stripped of even the slightest hint of melancholy, boasting a truly personable warmth at the core. From the disarmingly defiant title-track, to the gooey ambiance of Going Going Gone, The View wields a subtle sense of romance, lightly peppered throughout Finn’s gentle backdrop.

Cynics are bound to take a swipe at Finn’s occasionally inoffensive aesthetic and, unfortunately, there is a case to be made. It seems unreasonable to suggest fans of the Enz should flock to this material, just as it’s unfathomable that a musician could transition from the kooky carousel of My Mistake to a completely unimposing adult-contemporary approach. Yes, it’s been thirty years – however, even the gulf between The View and the likes of Finn’s 2006 release Imaginary Kingdom appears enormous. The one immediate pitfall of The View Is Worth The Climb is, perhaps, that Finn appears comfortable.

Not only is it as relevant as ever, but it’s only natural to juxtapose Tim’s present career alongside his brother’s current endeavours. In 2011, Neil is found at the helm of the Pajama Club, an outfit founded upon sleepwear and inebriated studio experimentation. With a new-found electronic component emerging within his repertoire, his musicianship continues to push the envelope. The Pajama Club’s debut album bears no true comparison to his career and, at times, portrays the act of a concentrated departure. In 2011, Neil is restless artist and his work suggests as much.

With that in mind, The View Is Worth The Climb stands to shed some light upon Tim’s present outlook. That The View appears reminiscent of a soundtrack to a lazy Saturday afternoon will understandably frustrate listeners. The View is an album with a distinct mood and setting. It’s not risky. It never seeks to push the boundaries. Instead, this is a cool, calm and collected release content to run its course at its own unwavering pace. The View – or, rather, Finn himself – appears comfortable.

It would be erroneous to mistake comfort for complacency, however. That The View casts a relaxed disposition offers no reflection of Finn’s prowess as a writer. In fact, The View... reiterates Finn’s status as a formidable writing talent, a masterful architect of melody and classic pop song-craft. The album is one admirably consistent effort, presenting a solid exercise in pop fundamentals. The View displays as well as any of Finn’s solo releases those qualities that made the Kiwi such an irresistible pop attraction in the first place. The likes of Wild Sweet Children and the swirling, bittersweet lounge vibe of Everybody’s Wrong warrant investigation, just two highlights in an album full of memorable material.

The disparity between Finn’s first forays and The View might too much to bear for long-time fans or indeed those impatient listeners after great spark and urgency. However, for those who consider themselves pop-enthusiasts and singer-songwriter aficionados, Finn’s latest release will no doubt emerge a triumph. Recommended.