This one came out a bit unexpectedly. The Bats have been on a run lately and this new album is on a par with their best work. Luminous, graceful pop songs tinged with melancholy, it never ceases to amaze me how many excellent tunes Robert Scott still has in him roughly 24 years after their debut.. The band is so tuned into each other by now everything sounds effortless, but never rote. For fans of New Zealand pop or jangly guitar music that is all about expressing the emotion in the song, no attitude, just a great pop band playing in service to a batch of lovely songs.

My copy arrived yesterday from Parasol (who unfortunately will be closing their mail order operation down in a few weeks). I've only heard a few tracks so far but really like them. Always glad to hear a band who can consistently release great albums as the years and decades pile up.