ACL Fest Friday Reviews

Crowded House

In the wake of Split Enz/Crowded House drummer Paul Hester's suicide in 2005, Neil Finn reconnected with his Crowded House co-founder, bassist Nick Seymour. At the time, Finn believed he was recording his third solo effort, which instead turned into a band album. The results are sure to excite fans of the 20-year-old New Zealand-based act, especially since it's the group's first effort since 1993. While Hester's spirit hovers over the proceedings, Finn's impeccable way with a melody remains, and the band's stylish jangle and blissful harmonies shine. There are contemplative moments that signal a change from the past, especially the ethereal "A Sigh" and the dour, with-strings-attached "You Are the One to Make Me Cry." The band's trademark buoyancy remains on "Don't Stop Now" and the nautically themed "She Called Up." While overly dusky occasionally, Time on Earth brings Crowded House into the 21st century. (4:30pm, AMD stage)