By james art 
Review and photography by Manny Manson for MPM
Another day and I’m back in the Utilita Arena. Antipodean band, CROWDED HOUSE are here as part of their UK GRAVITY STAIRS tour. Tonight will be an intimate gathering as the crowd arrives to witness an almost surreal mix of nostalgia, musicianship and family ties that define this band in 2024.
For the uninitiated, Crowded House has a storied history. Born from the ashes of New Zealand’s ‘Split Enz’, the band was formed in 1985 by ‘Neil Finn’, a songwriting genius with an ear for melody and heartbreaking lyrics, along with ‘Nick Seymour’ on bass and the late ‘Paul’ Hester on drums. Their self-titled debut dropped in 1986, featuring instant classics like ‘Don’t Dream It’s Over’ and ‘World Where You Live’, quickly cementing their place in the hearts of fans around the world. Over the decades, the band has evolved through line-up changes, breakups and reunions, but the essence – Finn’s remarkable ability to create songs that resonate deeply – remains unchanged.
The 2024 lineup continues the band’s continuity and evolution. Neil is joined on stage by his longtime compatriot Nick Seymour, the ever-versatile ‘Mitchell Froome’ on keyboards and his sons ‘Elroy’ on drums and ‘Liam Finn’ on guitar. The connection with Finn’s family gives the band a warmth and camaraderie that translates beautifully to the stage.
Opening the evening was “Liam Finn‘, son of Neil and a brilliant artist in his own right. Known for his solo projects like ‘I’ll Be Lightning’ (2007) and ‘The Nihilist’ (2014), Liam has made a name for himself with his unique blend of lo-fi rock, experimental loops and raw emotion. His set tonight was a carousel of sound, demonstrating his ability to turn a solo show into a full band experience through the creative use of loop pedals and live multi-instrumentalism.
He took the stage in a bright jacket and red jeans, exuding an energy that felt both playful and imperious. Opening with ‘Suspicious’, a slow-paced track drenched in atmospheric guitars and subtle electronic layers, Liam subtly set the tone for what would be a deeply immersive performance. He carefully arranges guitar loops and vocal harmonies, each loop adding a new texture, creating a soundscape that builds to eventually envelop the space behind the eyes.
Next up is “Jump Your Bones,” a number that’s a bit more high-octane but with a twisted edge. Before launching into it, he asked for a picture of a guitar, but quickly waved his hand away, saying, “It’s okay, my dad has plenty!” The song exploded with raw energy, Liam strumming his guitar as the song surged forward, driven by a pulsating drum beat that he played and looped live. Then came the real magic, an improvised piece that showcased Liam’s creative genius. He built up a chaotic groove, singing “I had a great night in Birmingham and it felt like this,” before launching into a frantic drum groove that had the crowd nodding along.
His set continued with “Gather to the Chapel”, a request from a fan, he added “I can’t remember what show they’re going to be at, I hope it’s tonight.” It’s a slower, more intuitive song that Liam delicately builds from a soft strum to an emotionally charged climax. The vulnerability in his voice combined with the lush instrumental layers created a moment of pure connection with the crowd. He followed it up with “Better to Be,” another slow process that gradually layers guitars and synths to create a dreamy soundscape that feels both fragile and powerful.
Before closing, Liam gave us one final rhythmic interlude, spinning a warped guitar riff over a primal drum beat as he screamed “Whoah! My big night in Birmingham isn’t over – count on me!” His latest track, ‘I Just Want You to Be So Happy’, offers a sneak peek at his upcoming album ‘Hyperverse’, which he excitedly tells us is coming next year. He encouraged the crowd to pick up one of the limited edition vinyl copies he had on tour with a cheeky laugh: “Don’t buy Crowded House merch – buy the album!” His set was a thrilling parade of his diverse talent, leaving the crowd warmed up ready for the star turn .
After a quick change the lights in the house went out and A crowded house took to the stage lit only by miners’ lamps in the dark. It was a striking visual that immediately grabbed your attention. The crowd erupted as the band performed “Weather with You,” the unmistakable opening chords sounding like a call to arms. This song from their 1991 album ‘Woodface’ is a staple of their live shows and tonight it sounded as fresh as ever. Built around Neil’s ringing acoustic guitar, Nick’s catchy basslines and Froome’s twinkling keyboards, it’s a song that transports you, with lyrics about finding solace and identity amidst the chaos, I thought it would be an encore; to close the show, but it was the perfect start for the crowd that was longing for this reunion.
The set continued with “Teenage Summer,” a track from their 2021 album Dreamers Are Waiting. The song embodies the wistful, nostalgic quality that Finn has mastered over the years. Its strumming guitars and soaring chorus evoke memories of summers long gone, and tonight felt like a collective trip back in time. Neil joked with the crowd, reminiscing about British summers, making the song a shared experience between band and audience.
‘World Where You Live’ from their debut album came next, it was another reminder of how consistent Crowded House have been since the beginning. Clean, rhythmic guitars and compelling drums propel the song forward with a sense of urgency, while Neil’s vocals soar above it all, imbued with both longing and wonder. It’s a song about displacement and belonging, and the energy in the arena was electric as the crowd sang along to every word.
The mood changed for ‘Fall at Your Feet’, one of their most emotionally charged ballads, this one also from ‘Woodface’. On this one, Neil’s vocals were delicate yet packed with intensity, the melancholy melody tugging at the heartstrings. Froome’s gentle piano work combined with Ellroy’s understated drumming creates a sense of pure intimacy despite the vastness of the venue. From there, the band launched into “To the Island,” another gem from “Dreamers Are Waiting.” The track is ethereal, with shimmering synths and heavily reverbed guitars giving it a sense of space and exploration. Lyrical themes of escape and refuge resonated deeply, the crowd, the majority of those who could stand, swaying in time to the hypnotic beat emanating from the stage. “Whispers and Moans” follows this track, taking us back to the sensual, soulful rhythms of “Woodface”. The band is locked into a tight rhythm, with Nick’s bass and Mitchell’s keys now driving the song. It’s one of those songs that simmers and burns slowly, its sultry atmosphere contrasting with the more upbeat moments of the set.
A surprise improvisation midway through showed off the band’s tight chemistry, with each member taking turns adding their flair to a fun instrumental jam. Then came ‘Either Side of the World’, a deep cut from 2010’s ‘Intriguer’. This song has a relaxed, almost reggae-influenced beat and combined with Neil’s smooth, understated vocals gives the song a cool, carefree feel. perfect for easing into the crowd in the second half of the set. “Black Circle, White Circle” follows, a haunting song that expresses the band’s ability to create atmosphere and tension. Its dark, swirling melodies and brooding instrumentation contrasted sharply with the warmth of the earlier songs.
A special moment came when they covered Split Enz’s ‘Message to My Girl’, a beautiful tribute to Neil’s first band. Split Enz, formed in the early 1970s, were pioneers in New Zealand and this song just highlighted Neil’s early brilliance as a songwriter. The crowd, fully aware of the band’s heritage, flattered her by singing along as she was once again light in her loafers.
As the night wore on, they pulled out “Oh Hi” and “Fingers of Love” from “Together Alone” (1993), songs that straddle the line between introspection and soaring emotion. Rich, layered instrumentation fills every corner of the arena, with Seymour’s bass and Froom’s keyboard textures providing a rich backdrop for Neil’s aching vocals. “When You Come” is another real slow-burner, starting quietly before bursting into an invigorating climax. It’s a song that plays with beautiful dynamics, and live it becomes a vessel to showcase the band’s ability to take the audience on an emotional journey.
The energy picked up again for ‘Black and White Boy’, with its pounding guitars and aggressive beat, before moving into the more soul-searching ‘Private Universe’, which Neil delivered with an ethereal quality that brought the audience to their feet. The final performance of the set was more of a victory lap, opening with ‘Four Seasons in a Day’, another classic ‘Woodface’, and the jangling brilliance of ‘Pineapple Head’. Both songs have that classic Crowded House balance of melancholic beauty and infectious melody.
Then came “The Howl,” a new track that showed the band still had plenty of fire left in them. But the night really peaked with “Don’t Dream It’s Over”, their signature anthem. The song was a communal experience as the entire arena couldn’t help but sing along to its timeless message of resilience and hope. Neil’s voice was crystal clear as always. The picture officially ended with “Distant Sun”, another from “Together Alone”. The encore brings even more surprises. “Chocolate Cake” with its quirky, unusual charm gets the crowd dancing, and another improvisational jam brings even more spontaneity to the night.
The encore culminated with “Some Greater Plan (For Claire)” from “Gravity Stairs” and the heartbreaking “Better Be Home Soon,” from “Temple of Low Men” they ended the night leaving with something old and something new, ensuring everyone in attendance left the show on an emotional level. As the lights came up and the final notes played, it was clear that Crowded House had rightly reminded everyone that they are as relevant today as they were in their heady days. Through decades of music, through emotions ranging from joy to self-reflection, they remind us why they have remained loved by so many for so long. And tonight, in Birmingham, was this the best place? Well, we were all there together and that should make it truly unforgettable.