Oddz and Enz cover

Oddz and Enz

Split Enz

53 min · 10 tracks · new wave

An eclectic blend of art pop and rock, infused with theatricality and complex arrangements that defy genre boundaries.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    True Colours (Let's Rock) — This track encapsulates the album's vibrant energy, blending catchy melodies with an infectious chorus that reflects the band's playful yet sophisticated approach.
  • →
    Under the Wheel — With its longer format, this song showcases the band's progressive rock influences and lyrical depth, creating a compelling narrative journey through its intricate instrumentation.
  • →
    Amy (Darling) — This track stands out for its poignant storytelling and emotional resonance, demonstrating Split Enz's ability to merge heartfelt lyrics with their distinctive sound.
  • →
    Things — A shorter, punchy track that highlights the band's knack for tight songwriting, combining clever wordplay with a driving rhythm that captures the essence of early new wave.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases innovative arrangements and theatrical elements, contributing to its distinct sound within the new wave genre.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a theatrical track featuring layered vocals and complex harmonies, setting a dramatic tone.
  • The use of unconventional song structures is evident, with multiple sections that defy standard verse-chorus formats.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • theatrical melodies for emotional highs
  • dynamic journey with engaging variety
  • wave-like pacing for reflective moments
  • extended climax for immersive experience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward, concise tracks
  • seek constant high-energy flow

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1980, Oddz and Enz is Split Enz's fifth studio album and showcases their artistic evolution following the commercial success of their previous release, True Colours. At this point, the band was solidifying its identity within the new wave movement while experimenting with diverse musical styles and ambitious concepts.
Stylistic neighbors
Crowded House· XTC· The B-52's

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 129 (Matinee Idyll) 3:51
  • 2 Another Great Divide 3:37
  • 3 Lovey Dovey 3:38
  • 4 Things 2:39
  • 5 Amy (Darling) 5:10
  • 6 Jolted 2:36
  • 7 Under the Wheel 7:26
  • 8 Two of a Kind 3:40
  • 9 True Colours (Let's Rock) 5:57
  • 10 Nightmare Stampede 14:39

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata