Skywatchers - "The Curious Village"

When the guys from the wonderful Sheffield band I Monster met fellow musician Kevin Pearce - Skywatchers were formed and it was a match made in heaven. I Monster are a fantastic electronica band with a special fondness for the past... their band name is taken from a 1971 horror starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing, their label is 'Twins of Evil', presumedly named after the brilliant Hammer Horror movie from the early 70's, and they have plenty of songs about vampires etc. But it's also the music that borrows from the past - they use vintage instruments and all things analogue. So the addition of a real singer and a more pop style song structure made their album 'The Skywatchers Handbook' one of best albums of recent times... but criminally overlooked. With Skywatchers, I Monster haven't lost anything - and we have gained significantly.



I Monster with a variation named "The Plague Village"

The Phoenix Foundation - "Give Up Your Dreams"

"Give Up Your Dreams" is the title track of the new album by The Phoenix Foundation, only just released. This Wellington band have become an institution - with so many essential albums and even the solo albums from the many members have been solid. I've said it before with the 'Buffalo' album and I'll say it again with this album - this may be their best yet... their magnum opus. "Give Up Your Dreams" is a pessimist's anthem. With its hypnotic beat, you could even say groovy, to the cool vocals and pop surroundings - it sure picks you up and gives you a lift. But the message is clearly a different story. Maybe it's for the realists or just a message to the dreamers to tone down their dreams and aspirations a bit. But a song this good and humourous could never be negative in my book.