This is a photo from James’ cameraphone. It’s a bit lame bit you can kinda make out Liam in the red shirt and his autoharp player, EJ, with the cleavage. Liam is the son of one of those Kiwis from that tedious adult-contemporary band ‘Crowded House’ and EJ is the daughter of Jimmy Barnes from the truly rockin’ Cold Chisel.

I only went to this gig because James had comps and asked me to go with him, but I was well satisfied. That doesn’t cover the support act of course. Laura Imbruglia is a bit like a louder and less coherent Diana Ah Naid. I’m sure some people find her cute, but that’s what Abby Dobson was born for sadly and there ain’t no space in my heart left over. Liam Finn, however, was pretty good. With just two people on stage, they made a massive racket. Liam plays guitar with some great looping and layering gadgets and then leaps onto the drum kit to bust out some pretty frantic beats as well. His guitar solos are just brilliant if you like spastic noise and squealing - and hell yes you fucking know I do. But I think he’s a chance at long-term popularity too, because his songs aren’t all weidrness and noise. He plays some catchy tunes as well, and is a bit like The Sleepy Jackson or a sweeter, lamer Wilco in that sense.

So all in all, Liam Finn is a fun performer who has both Sonic Youth and Elliot Smith records on his shelf. He will show you TEH NOISE, but in a nice, safe and undeniably bearded way. His father must be very proud of him.