by Flight of the Conchords have reunited.
And it feels as if nothing has changed in the decade since HBO viewers first saw the New Zealand duo starring in their own TV comedy series plugging away in the alt scene of New York City. And yet, of course, they’ve become bigger stars individually in the meantime. And won awards together, too.
What makes them special as a musical comedy act? As I wrote in my review for Decider:
For only two members (and sometimes a third, Nigel Collins on cello), FOTC boasts a broad musical palate. Their influences intentionally audible. “Inner City Pressure” riffed off the Pet Shop Boys’ synth pop hit from the 1980s, “West End Girls.” (And it earned FOTC an Emmy nomination in the process.) “Bowie’s In Space,” performed during the “encore” (related rant in progress elsewhere wondering why we’re still even acknowledging the charade of musical encores) is a straight-up tribute to David Bowie, made more poignant now since the icon’s passing.
These kooky Kiwis also pay homages to the bossa nova, rap, country/western road songs, and even the old-fashioned recorder. The lyrics may be nonsensical, surreal or just plain silly at times. But the musical precision is pure.
