If Couchmaster did one thing, it was cement The Bats as one of New Zealand's great bands. Alongside that, this 1995 release, which has now been re-mastered by bassist Paul Kean, sees the band exploring and experimenting with the folkish-psychedlic pop they have become internationally renown for. Couchmaster, their sixth album, shows a band that is far from resting, with tracks such as the excellent 'Afternoon in Bed' - a song so perfecty balanced, so perfectly The Bats. Robert Scott's wistful lyrics and guitar/vocal hooks are all accompanied by brilliantly crafted songwriting that is always trying something different. Whether that be the electronic howls on 'Chain Home Low' or Woodward's lead vocals on 'Shoeshine', Couchmaster is an album full of intelligent pop music that refuses to sit still
J**M
Great quality. Everything was as advertised
Timely delivery. Great quality. Everything was as advertised.
M**D
the best of the best
This, Couchmaster, is a terrific album, a really well crafted, non stop guitar, jangle-twang fest. It comes at you relentlessly, But probably less so energy wise and more atmospherically than before. Afternoon in Bed, Work it out, Land O lakes, Chain Home Low, it never ceases. With more intricate guitar parts than previously, sometimes a bit country, always pushing their barriers, but mostly great jangle guitar pop. Track 9 is "Shoeshine" and finally Kaye's lead vocal debut. Brilliant moody piece. The driving relentless "Just for the ride" just when you thought it couldn't get any better, but you know, its just the Bats doing what they've always done, but more mature and in better control of what they play. After all they're grown ups and they're even more relevant now, or is it just coincidence that I'm the same age?? Regardless, I firmly believe that the Bats are New Zealand's premium rock/alt/pop/whatever band. Absolutely brilliant, buy it and love it.
R**N
A real change for the Bats
This album represents a real change for the Bats. Rather than the jangly pop sound so typical of the Bats on all their previous albums (and of other New Zealand bands like the Chills), this album is trancy and dreamy. But it still has some really good and catchy melodies at its core. And good lyrics too. It works really well. This should be of interest not only to fans of the Bats (and New Zealand Rock in general), but to those whose tastes run more towards American indie rock.
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