REVIEW: Flight of the Conchords (Radio Series)

Rejoice! New Zealand’s self-professed “fourth most popular guitar-based digi-bongo acapella-rap-funk-comedy folk duo”, HBO starlets and Edinburgh darlings Flight of the Conchords are about to see their acclaimed eponymous Radio 2 series released on BBC Audiobooks, just in time for Christmas.

For anyone unfamiliar with their brand of humour, the show was a surreal mix of (mostly improvised) narrative and song, following the band’s attempt to secure success in London. Having managed to continue their consistent run of critical acclaim with their latest television broadgramme, now is an excellent opportunity to revisit this classic material.

Stalwarts of the Fringe, before mainstream exposure on the BBC, Flight of the Conchords is a deceptively smart show. The duo – Bret McKenzie and Jermaine Clement effortlessly turn out inventive lyrics and make it all look so easy. Their natural rapport lends their songs a catchy charm all of their own. It is the unspoken irrepressible dependency of the pair that is the lynchpin of the show and what makes their comedy work so well.

Comparisons are inevitable with cult-student pop rockers Tenacious D, but try and check those in at the door. Flight of the Conchords is funny, madly heart-warming stuff that doesn’t need to shout. Beyond the simple folk-rock melodies beats a smart, deadpan heart that is difficult to resist.

As a special treat, click here to hear a sample of the series.

The series can be purchased from the BBC Audiozone website by clicking here, or if you prefer the authentic rustic sound of a Compact Disc, click here.