By REBECCA DANIELS, Special to Bootleg Essential Culture
Bret McKenzie (left) and Jemaine Clement star in the quirky HBO comedy, “Flight of the Conchords”.
It’s not a show about airplanes.
“Flight of the Conchords” is a television program about a New Zealand band with the same name, consisting of quirky members Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie. The group labels themselves as “New Zealand’s 4th most popular folk-comedy duo”, using guitar riffs and crazy lyrics (topics ranging from sex to David Bowie) to create some comedic tunes.
The Conchords signed with Sub Pop Records (the former home of Nirvana and Hot Hot Heat) in 2007 and released their debut EP “The Distant Future” that includes tracks like “Business Time” and “Not Crying”, which were also featured on their television show.
The real success of this group has come from their show on HBO. “Flight of the Conchords” debuted in the states on Jun. 17 of last year, and quickly became an offbeat addition to HBO’s schedule, airing after “Entourage” on Sunday nights. “Conchords” displays the band’s struggle to make it big in New York City, with limited means. Clement and McKenzie are supported by their (only) uber-fan Mel and band manager Murray, a fellow Kiwi. In between passionate songs, the cast creates awkward situations, while using a deadpan comedic delivery style to get big laughs.
Although Clement and McKenzie are the main focus of the show, other supporting characters steal scenes left and right. The band’s manager, Murray, also works at the New Zealand Consulate and dedicates his all to the success of the Conchords.
“[Murray] is clueless. He is interested in ‘band management’ and takes it so seriously. He is definitely my favorite character on the show,” says Keith Warther, Art Director of Bootleg.
The band’s one and only fan, Mel, a married woman who all but ignores her husband, lusts over the duo. Her stalker-ish ways create an awkwardness unmatched by any other character. Mel has video blogs dedicated to her obsession of the band, posted on the HBO show’s site.
Season One of the hilarious HBO comedy was released on DVD Nov. 6 with two discs of the unusual humor fully intact.
Flight of the Conchords has signed on to do another season on HBO, beginning sometime in 2008. The duo will also release a full-length album on Sub Pop Records in 2008. Fans of the show are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the new season.
“I hope that the new season brings some fresh material from the group. Last season, the episodes seemed to only get better and better. I hope this progression continues,” says Warther
For more information on “Flight of the Conchords,” visit the show’s Web site www.hbo.com/conchords.
