Ok, so how did I somehow forget to write about Liam Finn? That is what happens when the pile of good music on your desk is tall. Not to mention I listened to this album a few times, thoroughly enjoyed it, and had every intention of telling you why. Oh well, I guess that is what I’m doing now, isn’t it?

It is really hard for me not to begin a discourse about Liam Finn without mentioning the fact that he is the son of Crowded House singer Neil Finn, who needs no description. It makes for quite a segue into this debut album from Liam as well, since the 24 year old wunderkid has taken that favorable DNA and elevated it into quite an impressive debut record.

While he is young and this is his debut, it is nowhere near the first time Finn has seen the musical spotlight. Liam joined the old man on a Beatles cover of the tune, Two Of Us back in 2002 on the I Am Sam soundtrack (euro version only), and later joined the Crowded House reunion as a touring band member. And fans in New Zealand, where he lives, know he has been the frontman for a band called Betchadupa. But none of that work compares to his solo debut, which Yep Roc released stateside last week.

I’ll Be Lightning can at times sound like Liam is a chip off the old block, in a good way, and other times he conjures up Elliott Smith, if Smith had a sunnier approach to things that is. Throughout the album though, Liam plays just about every instrument and shows off his potential as a singer as well as a budding songwriter.

Have a listen to a tune from the new album below, “Second Chance”.

Finn is also out on the road right now with ENS faves Pela, check out the dates after the jump.

Liam Finn – Second Chance

3/1 – Minneapolis – 400 Bar – w/Pela

3/4 – Seattle – High Dive – w/Pela

3/5 – Portland – Doug Fir Lounge- w/Pela

3/7 – San Francisco – Bottom of the Hill – w/Pela

3/8 – Los Angeles – Spaceland – w/Pela

3/10 – Denver – Hi-Dive – w/Pela

3/19 – Washington DC – DC 9 – w/Miracle Fortress & The Most Serene Republic

3/20 – Philadelphia – North Star Bar – w/Miracle Fortress & The Most Serene Republic

3/21 – New York – Mercury Lounge – w/Miracle Fortress & The Most Serene Republic

3/22 – Cambridge – Middle East – w/Miracle Fortress & The Most Serene Republic

3/23 – Buffalo – Big Orbit’s Soundlab – w/Miracle Fortress & The Most Serene Republic

About Joe Long

Joe started ENS in 2003 after most people he wanted to talk to about music were worn thin by his ramblings. The outlet this site provided helped out, and somehow is still going 9 years later. After a four year stint as a WOXY DJ, Joe returned to Cincinnati and continues to pioneer ENS. In addition to the overall look and feel of the site, Joe provides regular reviews, and kinda makes sure this whole thing stays afloat.