Schnell Fenster

Schnell Fenster emerged in 1986 as an eclectic New Zealand-based group assembled from former Split Enz personnel Phil Judd on guitar, vocals, and keyboards, Noel Crombie on drums, and Nigel Griggs on bass, together with guitarist Michael Den Elzen; an early, short-lived configuration also featured Split Enz keyboardist Eddie Rayner. Their debut album, Sound of Trees, appeared in Australia during 1988. That same year the musicians, operating under the name Noel's Cowards, supplied several country-tinged tracks to the soundtrack of the film Rikky and Pete. Positive local response and renewed attention surrounding Split Enz led to a U.S. deal with Atlantic Records in 1989. The album reached international markets only in 1990, yet the absence of an overseas tour and minimal promotional support caused it to disappear quickly from view. The 1991 successor, OK Alright a Huh Oh Yeah, met an identical outcome, its distribution confined to Australasia. During promotional activities for that record, Crombie developed tinnitus, which compelled the band to delay its scheduled tour. The group ultimately disbanded, after which its members concentrated on behind-the-scenes contributions within the music industry.