Search - Split Enz :: Frenzy

Solid transitional effort

Peter Bailey | 05/21/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"On Frenzy, Split Enz picks up where it left off on 1977's Dizrythmia (pop-grounded art rock) and at times adds a harder, not-quite-but-almost punk-y edge to the mix. Understand, Frenzy is by no means a punk rock album. But never before have the Enz rocked like they do on this album's leadoff track, "I See Red." The tight, surprisingly explosive guitar work of "I See Red" gets Frenzy powerfully out of the gate but still leaves room for the trademark piano work of Eddie Rayner. No other track on Frenzy approaches the raw energy of "I See Red," but the imprint of a stronger guitar presence is evident on several others (particularly "Give It A Whirl," "Hermit McDermitt," "Frenzy," and "Mind Over Matter"). As the guitars move to the foreground and Split Enz's prog tendencies recede, the tracks becomes shorter. Where tracks on Dizrythmia sometimes noodled into the five- and six-minute range, only two cuts on Frenzy exceed four minutes ("Stuff and Nonsense" and "Betty," the disc's nod to all you lovers out there). This newfound brevity furthers the impression that the band's sound is getting leaner, tighter, and more pop-oriented. Also notable on Frenzy is Split Enz's most thorough exploration to date of the darker side of the emotional spectrum. In addition to the fist-shaking, spurned lover's lament of "I See Red," Frenzy's tracks describe the misanthropic views of a sociophobic recluse ("Hermit McDermitt"); a desperate call for help from a deserted lost soul ("Marooned"); and the gritted-teeth mantra of someone clearly determined to overcome extreme conditions ("Mind Over Matter"). North American fans take note: this CD features the track listing from the original Australia/New Zealand release, with three songs not included on the 1981 Canadian vinyl release ("Famous People," "The Roughest Toughest Game In The World," and "Abu Dhabi"). Frustratingly, four songs exclusive to the Canadian release ("Holy Smoke," "Semi-Detached," "Carried Away," and "Livin' It Up") are not included here."

This was the album that got Split Enz into he charts...

Peter Bailey | Sydney | 08/14/2004

(3 out of 5 stars)

"...in Australia



Prior to this, they had two art-rock albums ('Mental Notes', and the re-recorded, slightly altered track choice of 'Second Thoughts', recorded in London with Phil Manzanera who felt he could improve on 'Mental Notes') - as well as the poppier 'Dizrhythmia'



I See Red wasn't initially included on 'Frenzy', and there would still be some vinyl copies around that don't include it - though presumably they're now collectors' items - and Give It A Whirl was supposed to be the single. However, I See Red saw Split Enz blast out of the starting gate and onto the charts, so Mushroom saw the sense in including it on 'Frenzy'



To me, Frenzy is the final album that had Tim Finn at the helm. True Colours (Split Enz best pop album, IMHO) was the changeover of the guard, and thereafter it was really Neil's band, until he finally broke away to form first The Mullanes and then Crowded House



Anyone who likes Frenzy should explore True Colours. But anyone who likes Mental Notes probably shouldn't listen beyond Second Thoughts"

Great Stuff and Nonsense

saserfrac | Ventura, Ca United States | 11/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought "Frenzy" along with Split Enz other albums "Second Thoughts" and "Time and Tide", and I think each of these albums has it's own unique character. Frenzy has a party feel to it, with songs like "I see red", "Marooned", "She got body she got soul" and "Abu Dhabi",this album will definately get you dancin'. But it also hits the heart with "Stuff and Nonsense", such a poinant emotive song in a sea of rather playful tunes. I love the phrase in "Mind over Matter" -- "Mind over matter, I got my mind over my matter". From this album and Second thoughts it is quite evident that the musicians are having a blast, and creating great music as well."