A solo release by half of Flight Of The Conchords presents a challenge to escape the comedy schtick, but the New Zealander manages tuneful seriousness, particularly on eco themes, by echoing Randy Newman, Harry Nilsson and Dory Previn with mix of 70s piano pop, showtunes and jazz styles. Climate change is a core theme of a serious McKenzie, particularly on opener This World, as well as Up In Smoke, Carry On, with standout catchy love number A Little Tune is classic 70s solo pop with a vaudevillian jazz feel while If You Wanna Go has shades of 70s Elton John and Dave’s Place has a perky 80s vibe, and here for you sprinkles a generous dash of Springsteen. It’s sometimes hard not to think of these songs as parodies, and when realising they are not, then feeling them to be a little middle-of-the-road flat. But taken outside the context of Conchords they still confirm an undoubted musical talent and wit, even without sidekick Jermaine Clement, and show his influences,, here leaving nothing of the funny ‘sexy funk’ side of the other side of Conchords. Serious times, so why not indeed? A likeable, laudable release. Out on Sub Pop.
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