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SPLIT ENZ Mental Notes (Chrysalis 1131)Genesis-influenced art rock with an effete theatricality in a series of rather uninspired and drawn-out dramas The group image is one of clowns and harlequins The reason for spending time with them here is because they'll probably be popular on FM radio . . . late night progressive deejays ana all that ff3||j Split Enz uses a whole array of production tricks and nominally interesting instrumentation that reveals ambitious-ness bereft of passion. Too much material relies on subtle mood changes and personality quirks, but lead singer Tom Finnlis neither authoritative nor aevastatingly witty enough to pull off the collegiate charm of the material. Walking Down the Road,” with a neat emphatic riff amidst quaint vocals and kaliedoscopic arrangement, and Titus.” a mandolin-dominated ballad with keyboard flourishes, are the best material. Probably more interesting to programmers is Stranger Than Fiction/' a moody, extended piece with touches of Genesis,King Crimson and the whole English art rock movement. Oi| the whole, Split Enz lacks originality or even dynamic mimicry. (The group is from New Zealand and are produced l»yRoxy Music’s Ail Manzanera ) —S.M.H.B. V
Newspaper Details
San Rafael Independent Journal
San Rafael, California, US
Sat, Feb 19, 1977
Page 57
Full Page
Clipped by
Muzilon W.
USA 04 Aug 2018
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