MENTAL NOTES

"Mental Notes" is the debut full-length studio album by New Zealand rock act Split Enz. The album was released White Cloud in July 1975. Split Enz formed in 1972 under the Split Ends monicker but changed their name to the current one in 1974. While they started out playing a progressive/art rock musical style, they are more known for their later new wave oriented releases.

On "Mental Notes" Split Enz play a progressive rock/art rock hybrid style, which owes as much to the likes of Genesis and Camel as it does to Roxy Music and Queen. So this is certainly eclectic styled music and it´s pretty hard to put into any particular musical box. What can be said about Split Enz is that they are skilled musicians who perform their music with both passion and conviction. The lead vocals are somewhere in the area between Peter Gabriel and Brian Ferry. Although the music often features a humurous element and is predominantly uplifting and upbeat, the songs also often features beautiful pastoral sections, which provide the music with another dimension. Add to that the more rare technical moments where the band toy with time signatures and various stylistic elements like folk and jazz, and again they just come off incredibly adventurous.

"Mental Notes" is a well produced release, featuring a warm, organic, and detailed sound production, which suits the material perfectly. Upon conclusion it´s a good quality debut album from Split Enz, and while the eclectic nature of the sound may scare off some listeners, the more adventure seeking progressive rock/art rock listener should find lots to appreciate here. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.