Tough to say what's the bigger giveaway that Liam is Neil's son: the surname or the gorgeously crafted pop. The New Zealand scion's solo debut is a triumph that inherits the right things from dad (vocal style, sense of melody), but branches out into an un-Neil audiophilia starring snazzy synth jags.

Indie wunderkind Liam Finn has burst onto the musical landscape with the force and presence of an artist twice his age. The 23-year-old New Zealander plays nearly every instrument on his first solo release I'll Be Lightning, a responsibility he doesn't relinquish when performing live. During his raucous yet intimate performances Liam utilizes effects pedals to create, sample and loop bass, guitar, drums, vocals and even Theremin. Liam's sound ranges from foggy and intimate to fuzzed-out garage but melodies are always the order of the day. On I'll Be Lightning, Liam has translated the shambolic energy of his live show onto vintage 2-inch tape, yielding a studio album of frightening power and endless hooks.