Gravity Stairs (2024)

"Appearing a mere three years after "Dreamers Are Waiting", the 2021 album that debuted the third iteration of Crowded House, "Gravity Stairs" finds the veteran pop group settling into their new skin. In most regards, "Gravity Stairs" isn't far removed from its predecessor. Like "Dreamers Are Waiting", this 2024 record moves slowly, not so much marching at a deliberate pace as drifting along with a wayward breeze. To Crowded House's credit, "Gravity Stairs" may feel cozy, but it never feels lazy. Neil Finn still functions as the center of gravity in Crowded House but the addition of his sons Liam and Elroy, as well as his long-term collaborator Mitchell Froom -- they all join the other constant in the group, bassist Nick Seymour -- transforms the band into an empathetic collective who gain strength from their communal warmth. They're now built for comfort, not speed, a shift that can pay great dividends as "Gravity Stairs" illustrates." (AllMusic; 4 uit 5 sterren)