This is a New Zealand-based art rock & pop band that gained immense popularity in Australia, New Zealand and around the world. They ultimate height of success was  in the late 1970s & early 1980s for Split Enz.

This music band featured two very talented musicians – the Finn brothers including Neil Finn and Tim Finn.

The band embarked their music journey in 1972. With their famous album (named as “True colours”), they put the New Zealand music industry on the international music scene. In fact, they were the very first New Zealand band that broke into the British & United States markets. Obviously, this was not an overnight success. The band really worked hard and overcome loads of obstacles to prove themselves as one of the most admiring music bands of New Zealand.

In the isolated, small-sized, and sparsely populated country of New Zealand, getting an international recognition or enjoying an international stardom is considered to be a pretty tough job! Be it sports, writing, films, or music – the talented New Zealanders have always tried to establish themselves as an iconic entity. In this context, it can be proudly stated that “Split Enz” features a classic example of Kiwi battlers where they have ultimately achieved an international success through their sacrifice and dedicated hard work. If you want to know more details about this band, its music compositions, and music styles, then this in-depth article will be quite apt for you!

A Glimpse of His Music Career:

Originally named as Split Ends, this music association was founded by Tim Finn and Jonathan Michael Chunn (Tim’s high school friend). After completing graduation, the duo attended the Auckland University where they collectively started writing, composing, and playing their own music. When they were at college, a pool of skilled musicians accompanied the duo and helped them to accelerate the musical endeavor of “Split Enz”. Here to mention, the following music artists – Rob Gillies, Geoffrey Noel Crombie, and Philip Judd joined this group. Soon, the band changed their name to “Split Enz” (from Split Ends) as the initials of “NZ” is considered to be a sign of dignity and pride in New Zealand.

During the initial years, the band mostly played acoustic instruments. Plus, they were primarily considered to be a folk-oriented band. Over the years, the band evolved their music style; during the time when they recorded their debut album, they switched to electric instruments in order to develop a better progressive rock-oriented sound. Next, one of the founding members (Phil Judd) quit the group in 1977. After that, this band transitioned their music style further and showcased a new wave & pop music. During this time, Neil Finn joined the team to replace Phil Judd.

During the early 1980s, the band enjoyed a grand success, gained increased popularity, and grabbed an incredible exposure from the international market.

In this context, here’s a list of music works that were produced in that era – True Colours (released in 1980), Waiata / Corroboree (released in 1981), Time and Tide (released in 1982), Conflicting Emotions (released in 1983), See Ya ‘Round (released in 1984).

Unfortunately, the group was completely disbanded in 1984 as most of the band members decided to focus on their respective solo career.

Music Genres Covered:

The musical style of Split Enz is described as “new wave” that is eclectic yet wildly original. Their music style features an incredible blend of vaudeville, swing, punk, art rock, rock and pop music.

Awards and Accolades:

This famous music group is considered to be one of the most successful New Zealand bands that has overwhelmed the worldwide audience with their unique music.  Many of their albums topped the Aussie and New Zealand sales charts.