MENTAL NOTES

SPLIT ENZ were the result of Phil Judd and Tim Finn's close friendship during the time of their studies at the Auckland University.After releasing a couple of succesful singles,changing their name from the initial ''Split Ends'' to SPLIT ENZ and adapting a theatrical style at their lives using costumes and make-up,they finally released their debut ''Mental notes'' in 1975.Comparisons with GENESIS are undenieable:Elaborate compositions,symphonic orchestrations,STEVE HACKETT-like electric guitars,nice use of mellotron and superb dramatic and theatrical vocals compose an album full of beautiful sounds and excellent diverse musicianship.Some light musical passages,poppish catchy moments and a few synthesizer flights might bring also YES or even better PAVLOV'S DOG,THE BEATLES and KAYAK to mind.Later the band would follow a more accesible style,but they left prog fans a gem to remember.An absolutely essential album!