In 1972 Tim Finn (vocals) and Phil Judd (vocals/guitar) started the band Split Ends named after the split ends of hairs. They started performing around New Zealand in pubs. The original line-up was completed by Mike Chunn (bass), Miles Golding (violin) and Mike Howard (flute). Later they were recruiting Wally Wilkinson on guitar and Chunn's brother Geoff on drums. Keyboardist Eddie Rayner and saxophonist Rob Gillies were also added in early 1974. In 1974 the name of the band was changed to Split Enz where NZ is referring tot New Zealand. Their first releases were singles: "For You" (Split Ends), "The Sweet Talking Spoon Song" (Split Ends) and "No Bother to Me". They were from 1973/1974 and were released on the album "The Beginning Of The Enz" later in 1979. Rob Gillies and Geoff Chunn left the band being replaced by Emlyn Crowther (drums) and Noel Crombie (percussionist/visual director). At that time their music was Art-Rock with unique, theatrical live shows with painted faces.
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| As Split Ends in 1973 |
Their first album was released in 1975 titled "Mental Notes" (#7 New Zealand/#35 Australia). In 1976 they moved to England to record their second album titled "Second Thoughts" produced by Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera. The album reached #18 in New Zealand and #25 in Australia. Outside the Australian continent the second album was released as "Mental Notes" and considered their first album also since some songs of the first album were also included on the second album.
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| Group photo for cover "Second Thoughts" |
Crowther left the band in late 1976 and was replaced by Malcolm Green. By 1977 also Phil Judd and Mike Chunn left the band. Phil was replaced by Tim's brother Neil and Chun was replaced by Nigel Griggs. From that moment the two brothers Tim and Neil become the lead vocalists and song writers of the band. The third album titled "Dizrythmia" was produced by Geoff Emerick (former Beatles engineer) and was released in 1977. After the release a reunion with Phil Judd was attempted but only lasted one month. The album reached #3 in New Zealand and #18 in Australia. It was a transitional album moving away form the Art-rock into pop music. It is the best album of their early period before their breakthrough in the 80's.
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| Split Enz in 1977 with both brothers Finn |
The line-up now is: Tim Finn, Neil Finn, Edward Rayner, Noel Crombie, Malcolm Green, Nigel Griggs, Robert Gillies (he left the band soon after the release of Dizrythmia). The single "My Mistake" was a hit in New Zealand and Australia, but failed to make much impact overseas. "Bold as Brass" was the second single. The title of the album refers to circadian dysrhythmia, more commonly known as jet lag. The album is very representative of what the band stands for. Often mispelled tracks were printed on the album cover like Charley instead of Charlie and Crossroads instead of Crosswords. Noel Crombie was responsible for the album cover design.
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| Original album cover |
Dizrythmia (1977)
Bold as Brass / My Mistake / Parrot Fashion Love / Sugar and Spice / Without a Doubt / Crosswords / Charlie / Nice to Know / Jamboree
AUDIO/VIDEO
Jamboree
Charlie