Eddie Rayner weaved his usual wizardry on the keys throughout Saturday's Enzo concert in Christchurch.

ENZO 
Eddie Rayner (keyboards), with Rima Te Wiata, Rikki Morris and Phil Madsen (vocals).
Isaac Theatre Royal, May 5.

More than 21 years after the collaboration between Split Enz's keyboardist Eddie Rayner and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra gave the world ENZSO, the format has been trimmed-down for concerts in Christchurch and Auckland.

In replacing an "S", the large orchestra and choir, with a tireless vocal trio, tight rhythm section and small string and wind combos comprised of local players, Rayner believes he has come closest to his original concept.

READ MORE:
* ENZO: Why Eddie Rayner believes he's finally got it right
* Eddie Rayner: One step ahead

The majority of the audience were there to relive their teenage years, rocking out to old faves like I Got You, I See Red, History Never Repeats, Six Months in a Leaky Boat and Dirty Creature for nearly two-and-a-half hours, and they loved it.

The choice of vocalists Rima Te Wiata, Rikki Morris and Phil Madsen was inspired, as they have very different voices but they gelled well in their backing and each solo slot had commitment and a reverence for the original. The rhythm section was excellent, with stylish guitar solos and a solid groove in the bass, plus the added bonus of Emlyn Crowther swapping in for a couple of numbers at the start of the second-half. Either side, drummer Michael Barker did a great job – I have never heard rock timpani done so convincingly! And, of course, Rayner weaved his usual wizardry on the keys throughout, masterful and dynamic, though the verbal links sometimes appeared muddled and thrown together.

My top picks were Te Wiata's punchy and creepy Dirty Creature and a strong set opening the second-half, Stranger Than Fiction achieving almost rock-opera proportions. Shark Attack was edgy, Te Wiata pulling out all the stops. Madsen's voice is incredible, not only for range but also intensity – Stuff and Nonsense, I Hope I Never and Edible Flowers were heart-rending. 

Poor Boy was up there, too. Morris took I Got You convincingly and I Walk Away was both punchy and powerful. Give It a Whirl was huge, packed with energy, and Message to My Girl couldn't fail and neither did he.

The start needed to be stronger than Albert in India, an odd choice that didn't best sell what was coming up, but as the vocalists tag-teamed the hits starting coming thick and fast and by the time the final notes faded there was not only a party atmosphere, but also the memory of a true celebration of one of New Zealand's iconic bands.

 - Stuff