Review & Photography by Manny Manson for MPM
Another day and I’m back at the Utilita Arena. Antipodean band, CROWDED HOUSE are here as part of their GRAVITY STAIRS UK tour. Tonight, will be an intimate gathering, as the crowd arrive to witness an almost surreal blend of nostalgia, musicianship, and family ties that define this band in 2024.
For the uninitiated, Crowded House has a storied history. Born from the ashes of New Zealand’s ‘Split Enz’, the band was formed in 1985 by ‘Neil Finn’, a songwriting genius with an ear for melody and heart-wrenching lyrics, alongside ‘Nick Seymour’ on bass and the late ‘Paul Hester’ on drums. Their self-titled debut dropped in 1986, featuring instant classics like “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and “World Where You Live,” quickly cementing their place in the hearts of fans worldwide. Over the decades, the band evolved through line-up changes, breakups, and reunions, but the essence—Finn’s remarkable ability to craft songs that resonate deeply—remains unchanged.
The 2024 lineup continues the band’s continuity and evolution. On stage, Neil is joined by his longtime compatriot Nick Seymour, the ever-versatile ‘Mitchell Froom’ on keyboards, and his sons ‘Elroy’ on drums and ‘Liam Finn’ on guitar. The Finn family connection gives the band a warmth and camaraderie that translates beautifully on stage.
Opening the night was ‘Liam Finn’, Neil’s son and a brilliant artist in his own right. Known for his solo projects like ‘I’ll Be Lightning’ (2007) and ‘The Nihilist’ (2014), Liam has made a name for himself with his unique blend of lo-fi rock, experimental loops, and raw emotion. His set tonight was a rollercoaster of sound, showcasing his ability to turn a solo show into a full band experience through the creative use of loop pedals and live multi-instrumentalism.
He swaggered onto the stage in a bright jacket and red jeans, exuding an energy that felt both playful and commanding. Kicking off with “Suspicious,” a slow-building track drenched in atmospheric guitars and subtle electronic layers, Liam subtly laid out the tone for what would be a deeply immersive performance. He carefully stacks guitar loops and vocal harmonies, each loop adding a new texture, creating a sonic landscape that builds to finally envelope the space behind the eyes.
Next up came “Jump Your Bones,” a number that is a little more high-octane but with a distorted edge. Before launching into it, he asked for a guitar pic but quickly waved it off, saying, “It’s okay, my dad has plenty!” The track exploded with raw energy, Liam thrashing his guitar as the song surged forward, driven by a pulsating drum beat that he played and looped live. Then came the real magic, an improvised piece that demonstrated Liam’s creative genius. He built a chaotic groove, chanting, “I had a big night in Birmingham and it felt like this,” before launching into a frenzied drum groove that got the audience nodding along.
His set continued with “Gather to the Chapel,” a request from a fan, he added “I can’t remember which show they’ll be at, I hope it’s tonight”. It’s a slower, more soul-searching song that Liam built delicately from soft strumming into an emotionally charged climax. The vulnerability in his voice, paired with the lavish instrumental layers, created a moment of pure connection with the crowd. He followed it up with “Better to Be,” another slow-builder, gradually layering guitars and synths to create a dreamlike soundscape that felt both fragile and powerful.
Before closing out, Liam gave us one final rhythmic interlude, looping a distorted guitar riff over a primal drumbeat while shouting, “Whoo whoo! My big night in Birmingham doesn’t end—count me in!” His final song, “I Just Want You to Be So Happy,” offered a sneak peek into his forthcoming album ‘Hyperverse’, which he excitedly told us is out next year. He encouraged the crowd to grab one of the limited vinyl copies he had on tour with a cheeky laugh: “Don’t buy Crowded House merch—buy the album!” His set was an exhilarating parade of his diverse talent, leaving the audience warmed up, ready for the star turn.
After a swift changeover, the house lights dimmed, and Crowded House took the stage, illuminated only by miner’s lamps in the dark. It was a striking visual that immediately grabbed your attention. The very partisan crowd erupted as the band launched into “Weather with You”, the unmistakable opening chords ringing out like a call to arms. This track, from their 1991 ‘Woodface’ album, is a staple of their live shows, and tonight it sounded as fresh as ever. Built around Neil’s chiming acoustic guitar, Nick’s playful basslines, and Froom’s twinkling keyboards, it’s a song that transports you, with lyrics about finding solace and identity amidst the chaos, I thought it would be in the encore; to close out the show out but it was a perfect opener for a crowd that’s been longing for this reunion.
The set continued with “Teenage Summer,” a track from their 2021 album ‘Dreamers Are Waiting’. The song embodies the wistful, nostalgic quality that Finn has mastered over the years. Its jangly guitars and soaring chorus evoke memories of summers long gone, and tonight, it felt like a collective journey back in time. Neil bantered with the crowd, reminiscing about British summers, turning the song into a shared experience between band and the audience.
“World Where You Live,” from their debut album, came next, this was another reminder of just how consistent Crowded House has been from the start. The crisp, rhythmic guitars and driving drums propel the song forward with a sense of urgency, while Neil’s vocals soar over the top, imbued with both yearning and wonder. It’s a song about displacement and belonging, and the energy in the arena was electric as the crowd sang along to every word.
The mood shifted for “Fall at Your Feet,” one of their most emotionally charged ballads, this one also from ‘Woodface’. On this one, Neil’s vocals were delicate yet brimming with intensity, the melancholic melody tugging at the heartstrings. Froom’s gentle piano work, combined with Elroy’s restrained drumming, creates a feeling of pure intimacy despite the vastness of the venue. From there, the band launched into “To the Island,” another gem from ‘Dreamers Are Waiting’. The track is ethereal, with shimmering synths and reverb-heavy guitars that give it a sense of space and exploration. The lyrical themes of escape and sanctuary resonated deeply, the crowd, the majority of those who could stand swayed in time to the hypnotic rhythm oozing from the stage. “Whispers and Moans” follows that banger, taking us back to the sensual, soulful grooves of ‘Woodface’. The band are locked into a tight rhythm, with Nick’s bass and Mitchell’s keys now driving the track. It’s one of those songs that simmers and burns slowly, its sultry vibe contrasting with the more upbeat moments of the set.
A surprise improvisation mid-set showed off the band’s tight chemistry, with each member taking turns adding their flair to a groovy instrumental jam. Then came “Either Side of the World,” a deep cut from 2010’s ‘Intriguer’. This one is laid-back, it has an almost reggae-influenced rhythm and, combined with Neil’s smooth, understated vocals gives the song a breezy, carefree feel, perfect for easing the crowd into the latter half of the set. “Black Circle, White Circle” is up next, a haunting track that expresses the band’s ability to create atmosphere and tension. Its dark, swirling melodies and moody instrumentation contrasted starkly with the warmth of the earlier songs.
A special moment came when they covered Split Enz’s “Message to My Girl,” a beautiful tribute to Neil’s first band. Split Enz, formed in the early ’70s, was a pioneering New Zealand act, and this song simply highlighted Neil’s early brilliance as a songwriter. The crowd, fully aware of the band’s legacy, lapped it up, singing along whilst being light in their loafers once again.
As the night marches on, they brought out “Oh Hi” and “Fingers of Love” from ‘Together Alone’ (1993), songs that tread the line between self-analysis and soaring emotion. The rich, layered instrumentation fills every corner of the arena, with Seymour’s bass and Froom’s keyboard textures providing an opulent backdrop for Neil’s aching vocals. “When You Come” is another true slow-burner, starting out quietly before exploding into an invigorating climax. It’s a song that plays with dynamics beautifully, and live, it becomes a vessel to show the band’s ability to take the audience on an emotional journey.
The energy ramped up again for “Black and White Boy,” with its punchy guitars and aggressive rhythm before shifting to the more soul-searching “Private Universe,” which Neil delivers with an ethereal quality that has the crowd on their feet. The final run of the set was more a victory lap of sorts, starting with “Four Seasons in One Day,” another ‘Woodface’ classic, and the jangly brilliance of “Pineapple Head.” Both songs have that classic Crowded House balance of melancholic beauty and infectious melody.
Then came “The Howl,” a new track that showed the band still has plenty of fire in them. But the night truly hit its peak with “Don’t Dream It’s Over,” their signature anthem. The song was a communal experience, as the entire arena can’t help but to sing along to its timeless message of resilience and hope. Neil’s voice, as ever, was crystal clear. The set officially closed with “Distant Sun,” another from ‘Together Alone’. The encore brings even more surprises. “Chocolate Cake,” with its quirky, offbeat charm, gets the crowd dancing, and another improvisational jam injects even more spontaneity into the night.
The encore culminated with “Some Greater Plan (For Claire)” from ‘Gravity Stairs’ and the heart-wrenching “Better Be Home Soon,” from ‘Temple of Low Men’ these end the night leaving with something old and something new making sure that everyone in attendance leaves the show on an emotional high. As the lights came up and the final notes rang out, it’s clear that Crowded House had rightfully reminded everyone that they were as relevant today as they were back in their heady days. Through the decades of music, through emotions that ranged from joy to self-reflection, they have reminded us why they’ve remained beloved by so many, for so long. And tonight, in Birmingham, was it the best place to be? Well, we were all there together, and that should make it unforgettable indeed.
