Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning

Indie wunderkind Liam Finn has burst onto the musical landscape with the force and presence of an artist twice his age. The 23-year-old New Zealander plays nearly every instrument on his first solo release I'll Be Lightning, a responsibility he doesn't relinquish when performing live. During his raucous yet intimate performances Liam utilizes effects pedals to create, sample and loop bass, guitar, drums, vocals and even Theremin. Liam's sound ranges from foggy and intimate to fuzzed-out garage but melodies are always the order of the day. On I'll Be Lightning, Liam has translated the shambolic energy of his live show onto vintage 2-inch tape, yielding a studio album of frightening power and endless hooks. Product Description

Joyful Misery!!!

Liam Finn recently admitted on a directv concert series that the album is largley about breakups. That being said don't let that stop you from checking this cool album out. To quote the movie waking life"At times of chaos in my life I like to go salsa dancing with my confusion". Liam doesn't wallow in self-pity like other break-up albums. He bravely navigates between mourning, exorcising, and even sarchism saying"Is there such a thing as love... or is it just a trick to procreate?"
You'll get more and more with each listen if you give it a chance. The obvious influences didn't bother me because I bought this without knowing he was even related to Neil Finn. Check out his concert on directv it's very interesting as he uses a loop pedal. It's very different and worth checking out!!! I'll be on the lookout for new material and will probably check out his previous band betchadupa! October 9, 2008

Lo-fi, Hi-fun!!

Liam Finn is son of Neil Finn of Australian group Crowded House ("Don't dream it's over", "Weather with you") and "I'll be lightning" is his solo debut.

The 24 year old has earned the title of wunderkind for writing almost everything himself, and playing almost all of the instruments (3 other people, including dad contribute here and there). I have to admit, I'd never heard of Liam until I read a glowing review of his CD in Q magazine which I feel (after having listened) to be spot on.

The album has a gentle Lo-fi sound and the songs are simple, melodic, with sixties sounding harmonies (similar to Dad's band, Simon & Garfunkel, or the Beach Boys).

Every song is a standout really, but I'll attempt to select a few of my favourites. The stunning lilting "Second chance", The sombre "gather to the chapel", the bouncy "Lead balloon", the spare acoustic "Fire in your belly" (with hymnal harmonies), the ghostly sounding a capella "Lullaby", the bouncy "Energy spirit" (great drumming breaks), and the falsetto sung "Music moves my feet".

Others include the strummed "Remember when", the upbeat edgy "This place is killing me", the brilliant Beatles-channelling ballad "I'll be lightning", "Wide awake on the voyage home", and the closing piano ballad "Shadow of your man".

I know I selected almost every song on the album but I couldn't select any less. This is definitely one of the best albums released this year, highly reccommended!! September 15, 2008

Kiwi wonder

Really liked this album a solid debut from Finn the younger.
At times I felt I was listening to the darker Crowded House period as well as Uncle Tim (Finn)
This isn't a criticism just an observation.
Definitely quirky, sonic pop with great vocals/arrangements.

Enjoy the diversity, weirdness and talent August 27, 2008

Better Than I Expected

downloaded this due to the price, reviews and the 30 second samples. after listening to the entire album, i'm pleasantly surprised. has the sound that gets you on first listen and quality that won't make it sound old after a few times through. June 26, 2008

Brilliant!

This solo debut by New Zealand's Liam Finn is exactly that: Brilliant! I typically use that word with caution, but here, it fits. I admit, I wanted to love this record. I'm a huge fan of all things that come out of the Finn family and had seen Liam perform several times before I'll Be Lightning was released. But my first spin just gave me a vague "Hmm" feeling. I honestly didn't know what to make of this and was probably trying to evaluate it in some kind of unfair son-of-Neil kind of way. So, I let it sit for a week or two.

Then one day, with more than the usual (lack of) attention span, I put on the headphones and gave it another listen. Better. One more listen--let the melancholy melodies sink in--wow! By the fourth listen, I was in. I could point out things I find derivative of his dad's body of work (as well as The Beatles and others), but those seemed like mere influences of something far more refreshing and unique. And when you consider his relatively young age and talent (he plays almost all of the instruments, holds the credit for all compositions and recorded it himself), you appreciate it even more. I'll Be Lightning is catchy, clever, edgy, and, well, brilliant.

But give this album a chance to sink in. It's not American Idol pop (thank goodness) or one-dimensional monoton-rock a la so many chart toppers that are not nearly as adventurous. I'll Be Lightning should be a critic's favorite and for that matter, a favorite of anyone who appreciates thoughtful songwriting and tunes you just can't get out of your head. Album of the Year (so far). June 20, 2008

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