Crowded House has been remarkably prolific in recent years, with a quarter of their albums released in the 2020s—a striking feat for a band that first formed in 1985. This makes sense, given the band’s multiple disbandments and long hiatuses.
Their latest release, Gravity Stairs, marks their eighth studio album and stands out for its mysterious, ethereal, and psychedelic layers, all built around Neil Finn’s signature melodies and poignant, relevant lyrics.
Surprisingly, the band opened the show with “Weather With You,” a song most would expect to close the set or serve as an encore. The O2 crowd immediately leapt to their feet at the first chord of this beloved track from Woodface, their most well-known album. The real question was whether the band could maintain this level of energy and enthusiasm throughout the night. With Neil Finn’s sons, Liam and Elroy, now part of the lineup, the challenge was set.
Defying expectations, they followed up with a new song, “Teenage Summer” from Gravity Stairs. The catchy beat and infectious melodies kept the audience on their feet, with applause as hearty as that for “Weather With You.” Another newer track, “To the Island” from 2021’s Dreamers Are Waiting, featured gentle pop stylings paired with thought-provoking lyrics like, “We can save our souls, it’s just the right size,” captivating the O2 just as much.
Though their set leaned heavily on pre-2020 material, with five more tracks from Woodface, including “Chocolate Cake,” a tongue-in-cheek commentary on American culture, and fan favourites like “Fall at Your Feet” and “It’s Only Natural,” it was the soaring “Four Seasons in One Day” that truly brought the house down, partly thanks to the beautiful live lute accompaniment.
The band dipped into their 1986 self-titled debut, offering timeless classics like the romantic “Don’t Dream It’s Over” and the upbeat “Something So Strong.” They also paid tribute to Neil’s earlier band, Split Enz, with a stirring rendition of “Message to My Girl.”
The setlist was a masterclass in variety, featuring everything from the swing-inspired “Sister Madly” to the indie-rock energy of “Locked Out” and the reflective melancholy of “Private Universe.” Each of these, often considered lesser hits, held its own alongside iconic tracks like “Distant Sun.”
The new material from Gravity Stairs was equally impressive. “Oh Hi,” a playful, quirky pop tune that explores the idea of children as mystics with visionary insight, was a highlight of Finn’s songwriting genius. Meanwhile, the emotional “Some Greater Plan (for Claire),” inspired by Finn’s father Richard’s WWII diaries, was a poignant standout, with its nostalgic guitar riffs underscoring the theme of rediscovering hope through love.
Crowded House was in top form, both musically and in terms of stage presence, with Finn’s characteristic humour shining through. At one point, he and bassist Nick Seymour had the audience laughing as they debated the differences between New Zealand and Australian birds. Their unexpected take on Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s rivalry also added a fun, contemporary twist to the evening.
As the concert drew to a close, Finn hinted at more music to come, extending the band’s already impressive creative streak. This promise of future material left an already thrilled audience even more excited for what’s next.
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