Some combinations of ingredients guarantee a perfect result - and the long-time David Byrne-Brian Eno combo is just that. From Eno's days producing Talking Heads to Life in the Bush of Ghosts and the latest Everything That Happens Will Happen Today, the pair's reckless, mad science approach to music is tough to beat. Songs of David Byrne and Brian Eno is a celebration of their work together, and with Byrne's tendency to "art up" shows, bringing the crowd far more than just music (think the giant-suited goodness of Stop Making Sense), things were boding well for the Valentine's Day show at Aotea Centre. History has taught this reviewer that managing expectations before shows by rock elders like Byrne is a wise move - they were nearly always better "back in the day". But this couldn't be further from the truth as Byrne, while a bit whiter on top, proved that he has lost none of his Heads-era cool and, if anything, produces even more energy on stage. Known for blurring the line between music and theatre, he and his seven-piece band and trio of dancers, dressed completely in white against a black backdrop, launched into a two-hour set that rolled like a well-oiled machine. Strange Overtones from the new album kicked the show off, giving many in the crowd their first taste of some of the fresh tracks, which were assembled by Byrne and Eno bouncing files between New York and London. In Japan, said Byrne between songs, they have a living national treasure, and the New Zealand equivalent is Neil Finn. Cue our local legend, to the unbridled delight of the packed house, as the pair shared verses on a stunningly rendered take of Heaven. Track after track was delivered flawlessly, with the three dancers, including the enchanting Lily Baldwin, diving among the band and back-up singers, with slickly choreographed synchronicity and an endearing sense of recklessness helping to further amplify an already-electric atmosphere. Delving into the hit bag saw some 20 songs - highlighted by a stunning rendition of Help Me Somebody from the seminal Eno co-op Life in the Bush of Ghosts. But it was, predictably, the Talking Heads classics that really lit up the crowd - Once in a Lifetime's hooky chorus faithfully and enthusiastically aped by the spellbound audience. As Byrne's effect-laden guitar built it to a crescendo, a dancer actually vaulted him mid-solo. Take Me to the River got similar treatment, with Byrne's unique voice oozing with power and passion. This commitment was echoed by every single person on stage, all obviously enjoying the hell out of what they do. It made a refreshing change from the over-produced, under-delivered shows often toured this decade. |
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