CROWDED House's entrance and opening trio of songs gives a false

impression of what is to follow -- over-burdened with angst and

seriousness their saving grace is Neil Finn's obvious mastery of his

melodic songwriting craft.

It takes a spiced-up version of the hit, Weather with You, really to

bring the show to life, and if the newer songs which dominate the early

part of the show are more downbeat than some of their predecessors, they

are certainly every bit as subtle in their ex-

ecution.

Black and White Boy is given a special reprise for the member of the

audience who proclaims one of Finn's finest songs ''the worst thing

you've ever recorded'' while There Goes God, It's Only Natural, and a

merciless slagging of Dougall The Roadie, bring a levity and joyousness

that was missing earlier in the proceedings.

In their live show, Crowded House are constantly reinventing the

recorded versions of their songs, showing a sense of adventure and

ability lacking in most of their contemporaries.

New instrumental breaks, ad libs and harmonies are abundant and the

semi-acoustic, almost skiffle version of Sister Madly is an exercise in

self-parody which succeeds along with a stunning Into Temptation in

recalling the under-represented album Temple of Low Men.

Their self-depreciating humour and inability to take themselves too

seriously is truly endearing, and this, the second of two sold-out

nights at the Concert Hall, perfectly captures a band at both its

creative and commercial peak.