They may have once been ‘New Zealand’s fourth most popular folk-parody duo’, but tonight Bret McKenzie and Jemaine Clement are stars. And though their shtick as the bumbling, delusional, down-on-their-luck Flight Of The Conchords is as on song as ever, it seems funnily out of place in front of this sold out arena crowd. I mean, how do you keep playing the fool when your fan base is larger than your home country’s population?
Still, the Kiwi funnymen pull it off with aplomb, breaking up the comical songs from their hit television series with their trademark deadpan back-and-forth. There are tales of life on the road, such as the time they received free muffins or got stuck crying and urinating in an elevator, mixed with hilarious intros and back announces to their songs. Hoots and heckles from the crowd are effortlessly woven into the act, the pair not batting an eyelid, breaking character or losing stride for the entire show.
All the while it can be pretty easy to forget the fact there’s some pretty amazing musicianship going on here. Funny as their songs are, they’re also really well written. Truly their musical rhythm is as sharp and natural as their flawless comic timing. What is “Inner City Pressure” if not the perfect pastiche of ‘80s new wave? “Too Many Dicks” would be a surefire club hit if not for its ridiculous subject matter, while “Business Time” has one of the catchiest choruses this side of The Beatles. Their songs range from simple to complex, spanning every genre in the process. Which would be impressive enough by itself, but throw in their comic genius and what you’ve got is a rare mix of music and comedy.
Live, the songs translate impeccably. Joined onstage by Nigel, one-half of the so-called “New Zealand Symphony Orchestra”, the pair run through their familiar hits and surprise with a repertoire of unheard songs, such as the medieval courtship ballad “Summer Of 1353” and the rather less savory “Let’s Fuck On The Ceiling”. It’s largely a bare basics arrangement with minimal production, which again seems strange on the expansive stage of the Entertainment Centre, but then Flight Of The Conchords never were really ones for bells and whistles.
What the future holds for these comedic prodigies is anyone’s guess (McKenzie and Clement have previously confirmed there will be no third installment of their massively successful TV show). Academy Awards have been won and major film roles landed, but suffice to say their decision to leave the Conchords at the top of their game might have been a bit premature.
-Jimmy B
