22 Nov 2024
Samuel Flynn Scott - Straight Answer Machine
28 May 2008 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
Stepping away from electronic Americana and heading towards tropical folk, ‘Straight Answer Machine’ is Samuel Flynn Scotts’ second solo performance that supports his song writing potential. ‘Straight Answer Machine’ leads us on a mystical journey through his ideological landscapes and on through good hard times.
Scott, being the exceptional songwriter that he is, has created yet another album filled with singles, and because of his single writing ability, the album is somewhat fragmented. Single upon single, without the ensnaring connectivity of his preceding records.
The album artwork is quality. Using Jacob Walker from the phoenixes ‘Happy Ending’ fame, highlights the utopian image ‘Llewellyn’ jumps in to. Looking at the great, misunderstood architecture Wellington has to offer, a flattering compliment to the soft spoken ‘Bunnies of Ponies’.
Scott is this time accompanied by ‘The Bunnies on Ponies’, which he has made numerous appearances with in his live shows. The B.O.P. is a mix of the bastard child’s of Wellington music, but collectively churns out the tight, usable sound Scott would’ve been looking for.
Standout single ‘Raver on Probation’ is reminiscent of a self-inflicted, good hard time, but the Dylanesque ‘All My Dreams’ is by far the most refined and emotive piece of on album. The joyous but intriguingly emotive nature of the single makes this a live favorite.
Straight Answer Machine lacks the electronic elements that made ‘The Hunt Brings Us Life’ so intriguing, but the newfound folk direction definitely is an interesting one. If this sound could be incorporated into the progressive, interlinking structure of his previous albums (namely ‘Pegasus’), then it would enhance the creditability of his natural song writing abilities even more.
4/5
Craig Johnson
Stepping away from electronic Americana and heading towards tropical folk, ‘Straight Answer Machine’ is Samuel Flynn Scotts’ second solo performance that supports his song writing potential. ‘Straight Answer Machine’ leads us on a mystical journey through his ideological landscapes and on through good hard times. Scott, being the exceptional songwriter that he is, has created yet another album filled with singles, and because of his single writing ability, the album is somewhat fragmented. Single upon single, without the ensnaring connectivity of his preceding records.
The album artwork is quality. Using Jacob Walker from the phoenixes ‘Happy Ending’ fame, highlights the utopian image ‘Llewellyn’ jumps in to. Looking at the great, misunderstood architecture Wellington has to offer, a flattering compliment to the soft spoken ‘Bunnies of Ponies’.
Scott is this time accompanied by ‘The Bunnies on Ponies’, which he has made numerous appearances with in his live shows. The B.O.P. is a mix of the bastard child’s of Wellington music, but collectively churns out the tight, usable sound Scott would’ve been looking for.
Standout single ‘Raver on Probation’ is reminiscent of a self-inflicted, good hard time, but the Dylanesque ‘All My Dreams’ is by far the most refined and emotive piece of on album. The joyous but intriguingly emotive nature of the single makes this a live favorite.
Straight Answer Machine lacks the electronic elements that made ‘The Hunt Brings Us Life’ so intriguing, but the newfound folk direction definitely is an interesting one. If this sound could be incorporated into the progressive, interlinking structure of his previous albums (namely ‘Pegasus’), then it would enhance the creditability of his natural song writing abilities even more.
4/5
Craig Johnson
Straight Answer Machine
View Track Listing
View Track Listing
About Samuel Flynn Scott
In order to do justice to this haunting new material, Scott formed a new band called Bunnies on Ponies. After playing at Wellington’s Matterhorn Bar, Mikee Tucker of Loop Recordings, who suggested that Loop finance an album of Scott's solo songs.
The recording ensemble included Tom Callwood (a double bass player who was integral in the development of the music), engineer Brett Stanton, producer and banjo player David Long and a succession of drummers: Craig Terris (Cassette), Riki Gooch (TrinityRoots) and Mike Fabulous (The Black Seeds, Bunnies On Ponies, Lord Echo).
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Samuel Flynn Scott
Other Reviews By johnsoncraigsbc
Spartacus R - When The Fever Takes Hold - Debut Release
15 Feb 2009 // by johnsoncraigsbc
The locally anticipated debut release from Wellingtons own Spartacus R is finally here. After becoming regionally acclaimed over the past six years their debut full-length album “When The Fever Takes Hold” is looking to rouse devotees and new listeners alike.
Read More...
An Emerald City - Debut, Self Titled E.P.
15 Apr 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
An Emerald City showcases mastery musicianship with a seamless blend of traditional instruments, spawning an easy listening, instrumental collaboration of styles in this self titled, debut extended play. Commencing the four track E.
Read More...
Recloose- Perfect Timing
14 Apr 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
Recloose has been busy and after such previous success, the now internationally exalted producer and DJ has brought a new touch to living room and club dance with ‘Perfect Timing’, taking a few pages out of the eighties in the process. Starting the album with Rachel Frasier and the mellow sophistication of ‘Catch A Leaf’ is the perfect way to precede the dismal post eighties revival that is ‘Robop’.
Read More...
Crash-Test For Favourite Things - We all want to be just like you.
31 Mar 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
We all want to be just like you- Crash Test For Favourite Things The general aesthetic of Crash Test for Favourite Things has matured since their debut, self titled album, and the cover art captures some of the imagery that is apparent in the music wonderfully. It speaks innocence and injustice.
Read More...
Lawrence Arabia: Live Gig @ Happy 08 Feb 2008
13 Feb 2008 // by johnsoncraigsbc
Thursday night at Happy was packed, and for good reason. For ‘it’ man Liam Finn was due to support Lawrence Arabia, who threw two nights of fun filled music with all his friends.
Read More...
The Phoenix Foundation - Happy Ending
20 Dec 2007 // by johnsoncraigsbc
After such success from ‘Pegasus’ it was exciting to hear what direction The Phoenix Foundation had taken with their new album- 'Happy Ending'. I like the album and its casual holiday appeal, with up beat happy tunes like ‘Bright Grey’ and ‘Bleaching Sun’, but opening singles aside; the album showcases all of the song writing talent that is The Phoenix Foundation.
Read More...
The Phoenix Foundation - Wellington Opera House 17/11/2007
19 Nov 2007 // by johnsoncraigsbc
On Saturday night The Phoenix Foundation played at the Opera House in Wellington as part of their Happy Ending tour. Because of the recent success from their newly released album ‘Happy Ending’ I was excepting another great show from the Wellington lads who seldom disappoint.
Read More...
The Deadly Deaths- Debut Album
24 Jun 2007 // by johnsoncraigsbc
Although the name doesn’t suggest it, The Deadly Deaths debut album is soothing and articulate, like a pre planned walk in the park with a close friend or relative. I find myself subconsciously listening to this album, but moments like the whaling guitar in ‘Deadline’ really capture your attention.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- APT.
ROSÉ And Bruno Mars - DIE WITH A SMILE
Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars - BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Billie Eilish - TASTE
Sabrina Carpenter - I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
Gracie Abrams - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - SAILOR SONG
Gigi Perez - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
Shaboozey - GOOD LUCK, BABE!
Chappell Roan
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
Custom Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
