Conflicting Emotions

Performer: Split Enz
Distributor: (Independently by Label)

Notes: Rock vocalist, Neil Finn's career started with this progressive rock band from New Zealand. This is the group's ninth release from 1983. The distraction of a Tim Finn solo project (1983's Escapade) may have robbed Split Enz of the creative momentum produced by Time & Tide; Tim obviously spent much of his energy on that project, leaving him with a minority of songwriting credits for the first time since taking leadership of the band...There's a strong batch of songs from Neil, which includes the achingly beautiful love song "Message to My Girl" and the contemplative "Our Day," which intimates the thoughts of the soon-to-be father...A misguided overreliance on drum machines and generally heavy-handed production ultimately date a solid album. The telling title track, as well as the album closer, "Bon Voyage," hinted at Tim Finn's imminent departure from the band. Initial pressings of the album in New Zealand included a bonus 12" of "Kia Kaha" and "Parasite" -- songs unavailable elsewhere until the release of the box sets. ~ Chris Woodstra The distraction of a Tim Finn solo project (1983's Escapade) may have robbed Split Enz of the creative momentum produced by Time and Tide; Tim obviously spent much of his energy on that project, leaving him with a minority of songwriting credits for the first time since taking leadership of the band. So, despite a strong batch of songs from Neil -- which includes the achingly beautiful love song "Message to My Girl" and the contemplative "Our Day," which intimates the thoughts of the soon-to-be father -- the album suffers from a general lack of focus. A misguided over-reliance on drum machines and generally heavy-handed production are the real downfall, though, ultimately dating a solid though unexceptional album. The telling title track, as well as the album closer, "Bon Voyage," hint at Tim's imminent departure from the band. [Initial pressings of the album in New Zealand included a bonus 12" of "Kia Kaha" and "Parasite" -- songs unavailable elsewhere for years.] ~ Chris Woodstra

Split Enz were New Zealand's homegrown heroes--art-rockers who reveled in theatricality, face-paint, strange outfits, and quirky prog-pop numbers. By the late '70s,they began to focus on material that was more accessible, yet had a new-wave spikiness that retained their earlier sense of daring. The band's new direction and success may or may not be attributed to the addition of leader Tim Finn's brother Neil, but Neil was responsible for one of the band's most enduring hits, "I Got You," from their breakthrough album, 1980's TRUE COLOURS. By 1983, the band began to disintegrate, quietly ending for good in 1984 when Neil left to form '80s pop stalwarts Crowded House.

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