MENTAL NOTES

I first became aware of this band in 1980 with their hit "I Got You" which was an addictive little pop tune. I never really heard of them again until CROWDED HOUSE arrived on the scene and we were told that this was really SPLIT ENZ under a different name. So here I am probably 25 years later and they're on a Prog site. What !? Well they deserve to be I can tell you that. My first listen to this album wasn't a good one, in fact I considered putting it aside and reviewing it down the road at some point, then I thought no i'll get this over with now. Second listen something clicked, third listen i'm starting to like it, fourth listen and i'm hooked. Man this is different. Heck the singer sounds like a sheep at times. I know they're from New Zealand but this is ridiculous. You just need to look at the album cover and pictures inside to know they're a zany bunch, and that comes through on their music. Complex at times and moving at others. I did think of GENESIS several times surprisingly enough.

"Walking Down A Road" opens with sounds pulsing before drums then a full sound with vocals kicks in. Lots of piano too. A calm after 3 minutes. A GENESIS vibe briefly after 4 1/2 minutes. "Under The Wheel is a complex piece with mellotron, quivering vocals (bahhh), strummed guitar and piano. Just a fantastic tune. "Amy (Darling)" is fun and uptempo with a country vibe bringing to mind THE DECEMBERISTS. I like the instrumental section after 2 minutes. "So Long For Now" is a vibrant track that I like a lot. "Stranger Than Fiction" opens with synths before turning somewhat experimenal. Strange vocals and a calm follow. I find it emotional when the vocals come in before 4 minutes and later before 5 1/2 minutes.

"Time For A Change" opens with piano as reserved vocals join in. Check out the Post-Rock guitar before there was such a thing 3 minutes in. Mellotron follows. "Maybe" is brighter with piano and vocals standing out. A catchy chorus on this one. "Titus" has almost spoken sheep vocals and mellotron. This song moves me so much. "Spellbound" opens with strummed guitar and piano. Drums and bass follow. Vocals before 2 minutes. The lazy guitar melodies 2 1/2 minutes in sound great. Mellotron later. "Mental Notes" is the 33 second closer.

You have to be patient with this album but in the end it will be worth it. It just keeps getting better.