He’s the next generation of Kiwi pop royalty, heir to the considerable legacy his father Neil and Uncle Tim established over three decades through Split Enz, Crowded House, brotherly collaborations, and solo work. At 24, he’s already a music veteran, playing onstage with his dad for 10 years and fronting his own band, Betchadupa. He’s here solo for the first time, supporting his debut, I’ll Be Lightning, whose 14 tracks confirm that he’s inherited the family gift for writing yearning, emotional pop, bittersweet and offbeat both musically and lyrically, with otherworldly (other side of the world?) melodies and harmonies, and hooks that move into your head and take up residence. It’s a true solo effort—he wrote the music, played nearly every instrument (including theremin!), and recorded, produced, and mixed it himself, going all-analog for a warm yet raw, unpolished sound. Live, he dashes back and forth between guitar and drums and makes extensive use of guitar and bass loops. And he’ll kick out the jams—just ask Eddie Vedder, with whom he’s shared a stage or two. Catch him at small venues while you can. With Pela. High Dive, 513 N. 36th St., 632-5656. 6 p.m. Sold Out.

Listen to a sample of Liam Finn’s “Second Chance.”

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