The Naked & Famous -Recover (2020) (Review)

The Naked And Famous – Recover (2020)We’re still waiting impatiently for news from this band. Ever since their 2010 album “Passive Me Aggressive You”. I still haven’t had a chance to listen to the two EPs before that, the ones made in 2008, “No Light” & “This Machine”. I still haven’t been able to get my hands on them. One day, surely! This album is three years old… and I missed their tour miserably, even though I would have loved to see them. Once again, there’s no disappointment: “Recover” lives up to expectations.As usual, you’re hooked from the start.Well… I’ll speak for myself!I was hooked from the start and went through several phases. Joy, trance. But nostalgia too, as I discover this album. It’s crazy to create such a feeling of sadness with these quality songs. Beautiful production, great creativity.

Always a pleasure to hear the voice of the singer, Alisa Xayalith, as well as that of musician and vocalist Thom Powers. Naked et Famous is easily in the Top 5 of New Zealand’s best bands, along with the two bands featuring two ultra-talented geniuses! The first being, of course, Neil Finn! And the other was the much-lamented Paul Hester, gone far too soon, on that cursed March 26, 2005.

If you absolutely must have a Top 10 list of the best New Zealand bands, then here goes: As you may have guessed, I’m starting with the mythical Split Enz, followed by the incredible and unmissable Crowded House. Naked & Famous comes in a close third. The other seven are : Dragon, Flight of the Conchords, The Datsuns, Opshop, Th’ Dudes, The Phoenix Foundation and Shihad. Getting back to this gem of an album, it had me on the edge of my seat.The pleasure was intense. The track “Monument” is THE song, reminiscent even of Kate Bush. Our five famous naked members continue to explore many styles, including Synthpop, Post-Punk, Noise Pop, Indie Electro, all the while remaining at the very best of electro-pop. 15 tracks, 49 minutes and 13 seconds of pure bliss. This band works miracles. Thanks to them!!!