:: Liam Finn - I’ll Be Lightning

Liam Finn

Impressive is a word that is often used to highlight to others something we find unexpectedly good. The true sense of the word, however, is that it arouses admiration in us through size, quality or skill. Impressive is a word I would use to describe ‘I’ll Be Lightning’. My first listen to Liam Finn's new album was weighed down with a certain amount of expectation, which strangely had nothing to do with his family history. It was in fact because Finn is already a well established personal favourite, having written the sublime track ‘Move Over’ whilst with the band Betchadupa. When you have experienced something great from an artist, there is always that shadow of doubt when they do something new. Will it reach the same great heights? Will it be as good? Thankfully, in this case the results are magnificent, and leave no room for disappointment. "I’ll Be Lightning’ is soulful and melodic, with song writing that exhibits all the signs of a great storyteller. The imagery Finn paints through his music is as vivid as any artistic masterpiece, and has no difficulty in conjuring scenery in which the stories can play out. A perfect example of this occurs in the track ‘Lullaby’, where Finn informs us ‘night is just the day breathing in’. A simple yet wonderfully evocative statement. There are a number of standout tracks, including ‘Better to Be’, ‘Fire in Your Belly’ and the piano driven ballad ‘Shadow of Your Man’, but I truly believe this album will become a firm favourite of many in its entirety. The fact the album also comes in eco-friendly packaging (that even accounts for the plastic shrink wrap most retailers put on), shows Finn loves both our ears and our planet. An overall stellar effort.