New Zealand pop-rock hero Neil Finn proved, once again, why he is one of the greatest songwriters to come from down under in the past twenty-odd years when he played the Komedia, on what would normally be an average Tuesday night. Playing for an admirable two hours straight – just him, his guitar and piano – Finn indulged his doting audience by playing songs from across his rich repertoire. From early Split Enz and classic Crowded House, to his solo work and unreleased tracks from his forthcoming album with his wife.

The crowd, which consisted of mostly old-time fans, lapped up the opportunity to be in such an intimate environ with the pop genius. Finn barely finished his first song before crowd members were yelling out requests and asking trifling questions, which Finn was all to happy to oblige. In jovial spirits, he seemed to spend half the gig bantering with the audience, making this sold-out gig feel like an intimate sing-a-long among friends in a cosy living room.

Because it was a stripped-back solo gig, Finn performed his stunning songs in a slower tempo and, in result, the crowd was able to fully marvel at his incredible raw live voice and knack for writing unforgettable melodies. After playing crowd favourites such as ‘Fall At Your Feet’, ‘Into Temptation’ and so many more, Finn closed with the perennial Crowded House favourite ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ – played touchingly on the instrument it was penned on, the piano. He softly said his goodbyes and disappeared off-stage, following what had been a laid-back and pleasant trip down memory lane.

Neil Finn
Komedia
Tuesday 19 April 2011

Words by Kelly Griffin