Crowded House have left an indelible mark on pop music through hits such as Don’t Dream It’s Over, Weather With You and Something So Strong, but ‘Gravity Stairs’ is not the work of a band content to ride the coattails of past glories.
Their eighth LP, and only their second since 2010, opens with Magic Piano, where Neil Finn’s weary vocals are married to ethereal harmonies and an almost prog-rock feel. Its psychedelic sound is a departure from their core sound, but hypnotic nonetheless.
The beautiful harmonies continue on Teenage Summer, which contains some fine slide guitar work, while The Howl is another curveball.
Its summery warmth gives way to more of an out-and-out rock number, recalling contemporary acts such as The War on Drugs on its outro.
All That I Can Ever Own comes closer to evoking the sound of Crowded House’s heyday but it’s infused with some of the more expansive sounds found across the record. Finn’s vocals are more front and centre here, offering impressive gravitas.
The lead single Oh Hi is one the LP’s poppier tracks, showing Finn and co’s ear for writing a compelling hook even after so many years together. It is a soothing listen that will likely please long-term fans. Some Greater Plan (for Claire) is light, delicate and one of the most gorgeous tracks on the record, full of little moments that pack a punch. This is Crowded House at their very best, with plenty to unpack across multiple listens.
After almost 40 years together, Crowded House are still a force to be reckoned with. The vocal arrangements and production here are thrilling. Now 66, Finn might not carry a song as he used to but the harmonies with the rest of the group do a lot of the heavy lifting and their sound has evolved organically, offering an intriguing and often unexpected glimpse at a group in their twilight years.
Crowded House Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows:
Mon June 10 2024 - KINGSTON UPON THAMES PRYZM Kingston
Wed June 12 2024 - ST AUSTELL Eden Project
Thu June 13 2024 - LONDON O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire
Sat June 15 2024 - LINCOLN Castle
Sun June 16 2024 - WOODSTOCK Blenheim Palace
Mon June 17 2024 - READING Wasing Estate
Wed June 19 2024 - HALIFAX Piece Hall
Thu June 20 2024 - CARDIFF Cardiff Castle
Sun June 23 2024 - CORK Virgin Media Park
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