When I was doing research for this review (just to make sure I don’t copy too many whored out adjectives) I was surprised to see just how many major websites have chosen to review the Champagne in Seashells EP. Most notably, the BBC. Yes, the British Broadcasting Corporation, if you were wondering. I was surprised to see an Aussie on so many international websites; but who could avoid going past the last name. Liam Finn is the son of legendary Kiwi/adopted Aussie Neil Finn; and with the music pumped out for years through the Finn household, surely it would have brushed onto the second generation Finn.

And who wouldn’t want to use a connection to a famous last name as a step up to the international music industry platform? Sure, it will sell records. But Finn has a lot of comparisons to break and his own voice to sell.

After his critically acclaimed first album, I’ll Be Lightning, Finn has decided to concentrate on the release of this five track (well, six tracks in the UK) EP. Enlisting the help of backup singer Eliza Jane, Champagne in Seashells is more a quirky experiment with nifty riffs and melodies than a gentle beachside EP. Although some tracks do sound like they could fit into a support act for Crowded House (are they touring again?). Finn’s voice sounds eerily similar to his father’s circa early ‘90s Crowded house, and it just reminds me of what Neil Finn would turn out if he was more interested in alternative music than churning out pop anthems.

He ain’t no clone though! I just don’t know what is happening with this EP. It doesn’t seem to carry a sense of direction, and the audience could vary from young hipsters (“Long Way To Go”), to latte sippers (“Plane Crash”), to 50 year olds living out their lost Crowded House days (“Won’t Change My Mind”). But the songs hold up well enough on their own, are crafted in a professional manner, so what’s the damn problem?

I think the problem lies in expectation. Finn needs to release another full-length album, and stop concentrating on a quick fix. He needs direction and a targeted audience. Please do this Liam, and you’ll churn out a beautiful album. Like you did with I’ll Be Lightning.

- Hannah Robertson