Crowded House
Intriguer

I return to DeBaser after a few years to write about the new work of one of my all-time favorite active bands, Crowded House.

In 2007, they returned after a long period of "hibernation" with the wonderful "Time On Earth," dedicated to former drummer Paul Hester, who had passed away shortly before. Now, unexpectedly (at least for me), here they are again with "Intriguer," containing 10 tracks signed by Neil Finn, who confirms himself as a composer of stratospheric level. The style of Crowded House, for those who are not fortunate enough to know them, can be simplistically summarized as a sophisticated pop-rock with clear Beatles-like inspiration, and it remains such in this latest work.

Let's say right away that it is a wonderful album, even superior to its already stellar predecessor...."Saturday Sun" is the energetic opener with a prominently featured bass and a compelling rhythm, and it is already euphoria! After the interim "Archer's Arrows," the first gem arrives: "Amsterdam," set on an enchanting mid-tempo and equipped with a chorus of immediate captivating beauty. It moves on to the sunny and graceful atmosphere of "Either Side Of The Sun," evoking sunsets over the sea and wind in the hair...

There are many "intimate" episodes, such as (partially) "Falling Dove" delicate and gentle, even though it opens into more rocking parts, and "Isolation" sung in two voices with Sharon Finn (wife? sister? who knows), which starts vaguely reminiscent of the Velvet Underground in the electric guitar arpeggio and the entry of the female voice, then continuing in full CH style; not to be outdone are "Even If" and "Elephants."

There is room for two more Beatles-oriented marvels: "Twice You're Lucky" and "Inside Out" (the latter could be seamlessly included in an album like "Revolver" by the Fab Four), and the picture is complete...

Rarely have I listened to a band capable of playing such damnably winning melodies with such frequency. It's a shame that in Italy they never broke through. As far as I'm concerned, their place in my personal Olympus of Music has been assured for a long time.