EXTRAVAGENZA

In 1993 the much awaited Split Enz reunion became a work in progressive music. The original line up were back, headed by the Finn Brothers, Tim and Neil, who were ready to take audiences by storm with a huge concert backed by a massive orchestra. The successful Australasian group had a strong following and the fans were all eager to hear what the Enz would sound like since their departure with the shocking "See Ya Round" in 1984. The band's success rested on the singles churned out of the 80s namely those from "True Colours" and "Time & Tide" such as I Got You and 6 Months on a Leaky Boat. "ExtravagENZa" is the celebration of 10 years of great music beginning in 1975, and this was the 20th anniversary tour; they had not been heard in a full live concert since the split in 1984.

The Enz pay homage to their prog 70s years when they were costumed mannequins with kabuki makeup and were transformed into the professional commercial success story of the 1980s. This live double album was recorded on New Zealand shores on their 20th Anniversary in 1993 and features 9 unreleased tracks. The Enz do not forget all the hit singles that made them great including Dirty Creature, Poor Boy, I Got You, Message To My Girl, One Step Ahead, I See Red, Six Months In A Leaky Boat, and History Never Repeats. The audience are in raptures when Split Enz crank these classics out and the crowd sing every word in adoration.

All 22 tracks have been digitally remastered by Eddie Rayner. The resultant album is masterful, incredible quality, fresh versions of well known classics and some surprises. The orchestration is fabulous, some songs run together like medleys, such as True Colours/I See Red, and the reverence to older material such as Time for a Change, Charlie and Hermit McDermitt are both nostalgic and better versions of the old gems.

This album is released to coincide with the ARIA (Australian Record Industry Association) announcement that Split Enz were to be inducted into the Icons, Hall of Fame in 2005. I recommend this as among the best live documents of Split Enz, the icons of NZ/Aus rock.