Crowded House, Auckland NZ, 2021

Crowded House

21st March 2021
Spark Arena, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Doug Peters.

There has been much talk of how New Zealand in many ways is living its best life right now. Granted things aren’t perfect, but what in life is? However, while the world is still desperately attempting to claw its way back from catastrophic freefall, Aotearoa is basking in the luxury of being able to attend concerts and sip from the chalice of music.

And when it comes to music that qualifies as being a part of the very fabric of New Zealand itself, none is so inherently interwoven into the history of our culture as Crowded House; classics such as ‘Don’t Dream it’s Over’ covered by multiple artists across the world, the song a cherished piece of music by the hearts and minds of millions.

With an upcoming studio album soon to be released (their first in eleven years), this reinvigorated version of Crowded House with its budding new foliage in the form of Liam and Elroy Finn still has strong roots that run deep, the combination of Nick Seymour, Mitchell Froom and of course the national treasure that is Neil Finn himself ensuring that the music of Crowded House continues to move forward into new territories.

But before this beloved journey through lyrical memories, bedazzled with glimpses of what delights are to come can be begin, there is – as always – the opening act to stimulate the palate first.

And what an opening act it is.

Any patron who was wise enough to see Reb Fountain on her most recent album release tour – in particular her three-night stint at Auckland’s Mercury Theatre – would have already known what to expect. Those who were only just last night being introduced to her as a live act undoubtedly forever entranced by what they witnessed. Because frankly Reb Fountain is not only a wahine of unfathomable depths but one of the humblest local talents to boot.

Drawing on not only life experiences but what seems like strength from a spiritual realm that only she communes with, the ethereal Fountain lays claim to the stage with a presence like no other. Flanked by a three piece band that included Earl Robertson on drums, the sultry Karin Canzerk (whose sense of style is as impressive as her engrossing bass playing) and of course the incomparable Dave Khan; the musical genius who is not only often found on stage alongside some of Aotearoa’s finest musicians such as Finn Andrews and Marlon Williams, but on the other side of the recording studio wall as well, Khan producing Fountains stunning debut album.

From opener ‘Hawks & Doves’ which showcases Fountains magnificent vocal range, through to the heart wrenching ‘Hey Mom’, Reb Fountain and company had the audience hanging on every note, each player complimenting each other with aplomb, their collective sound one that transcended time and wrapped itself around the room. Building slowly to a crescendo that culminated in the fabulous ‘Don’t You Know Who I Am?’, Reb Fountain proved unequivocally exactly why she is one of the most exciting live acts in the country right now.

Crowded House has already performed a number of shows on this tour, Friday night seeing them grace the very same stage in Auckland before hightailing it to New Plymouth on Saturday; their rather hectic weekend touring schedule seemingly having no effect on their on-stage dynamism. Those unable to resist perusing the reviews and photos that have been forthcoming from their national tour already had a preview of what to expect, but nothing quite prepares someone for a live show from performers of such natural aptitude. Here is a group comprising of musicians that have all in their own right contributed to some of the most iconic songs that make up the soundtracks of both a nation and its inhabitants. A band led by a gentleman that not only has raised a whole generation of new talent himself, but a performer who has constructed much of the quintessential sound of New Zealand in both the form of Split Enz and Crowded House. There was a reason Neil Finn was headhunted by Fleetwood Mac themselves, and that’s a call few musicians could ever lay claim to.

Taking to the stage the enthusiastic crowd roared with both approval and respect, the carefree opener of ‘Weather with You’ filling the room with a sense of light that beamed forth from the very beings intently watching the stage, everybody in full voice as they sang to every word. The emotional rollercoaster had indeed begun as more rugged tracks such as ‘Mean to Me’ crashed against the shores of the exquisite ‘Fall at Your Feet’, which was proceeded by one of their latest offerings ‘Whatever you Want’. Embodying a new sound that simultaneously had a sense of familiarity, it ensured that the audience paid full attention while letting the melodies physically move them; the song finding a compatriot in the quirky ‘Pineapple Head’ that followed soon after.

Banter has always been the way of the kiwi, the playful interactions between the trio of Liam, Nick Seymour (wearing a fabulous Zambesi kilt) and Neil never once feeling contrived or rehearsed, Mitchel from time to time interjecting with a few gems of his own as the group moved through some back catalogue works of art such as ‘Whispers and Moans’ and the moving lyricism of ‘Silent House’ from the 2007 album Time on Earth. A fitting follow-up to the succinct but bittersweet ‘Four Seasons in One Day’ which yet again saw the crowd on their feet, their voices in full flight.

Following Reb Fountain and her band joining Crowded House for back-up vocals and a sweet synchronised side step for ‘To the Island’, Neil Finn placed his foot firmly on the accelerator as the arena was turned into a full-blown rock concert, the numbers coming thick and fast as classics such as ‘Locked Out’, surrogate national anthem ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ and ‘Something so Strong’ poured from the stage and was greedily absorbed by a hungry audience, the fact that it was late on a Sunday night tempering their desire for more none.

With ‘Distant Sun’ Crowded House bid Auckland adieu for a second time this weekend, an encore already planned but demanded regardless. And it was certainly an encore worth waiting for; from Neil Finn flexing on the ivory keys for a deliciously animated version of ‘Chocolate Cake’ through to a cover of David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ which featured images of playing cards bearing the faces of some of histories most inspiring, both past and present; Bowie of course rightfully holding the position of King.

And while many would have been expecting the show to come to a close at that point with their final song, the band had other ideas, the encore being expanded by yet another two tracks. The first an invigorating version of Split Enz’s ‘I Got You’, which saw the arena bounce in unison before a man in a Slayer t-shirt stepped forth and requested ‘Elephants’ from the 2010 album Intriguer, Neil kindly granting his wish.

But all good things must sadly come to an end, and last nights outstanding show was no exception; ‘Better Be Home Soon’ closing the night on a poignant note. With the anniversary of Paul Hesters’ death only a few days away, his presence was certainly felt at that very moment.

A celebration of life itself, last night’s show was one that will live on in the hearts of many for years to come. And that is exactly what timeless music was made to do.

Were you there at Spark Arena for this wonderful Kiwi Pop gig? Or have you seen Crowded House perform live some other time? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Crowded House Set List:

1. Weather With You
2. Mean To Me
3. World Where You Live
4. In My Command
5. Whatever you Want
6. Fall At Your Feet
7. Whispers and Moans
8. Playing with Fire
9. Pineapple Head
10. When You Come
11. Private Universe
12. Four Seasons in One Day
13. Silent House
14. To the Island
15. Nails in my Feet
16. Locked Out
17. Don’t Dream it’s Over
18. Something So Strong
19. Distant Sun
20. Chocolate Cake [encore]
21. Heroes [David Bowie cover] [encore]
22. I Got You [Split Enz cover] [encore]
23. Elephants [encore]
24. Better be Home Soon [encore]

Note: [AD] Live Nation provided passes to Ambient Light to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission.

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