Free All the Monsters

Free All the Monsters

It’s truly remarkable that New Zealand’s Bats retain their original lineup after 30 years (though there are long gaps in their timeline), and it's even more remarkable that Free All the Monsters is one of their best works. It’s difficult to say “the best ever,” because The Bats' earlier work—so unique and groundbreaking at the time—still resonates strongly. Perhaps it’s safest to say that Free All the Monsters is a superb culmination of all that's come before: the longing in Robert Scott’s voice, the electric and acoustic guitars that jingle-jangle, the compositions that embed the mellowest of hooks (utterly annoyance-free), the winsome sweetness of Kaye Woodward’s harmonizing vocals. It all comes together in a beautiful record. Certain tracks sparkle with classic Bats-isms; the bittersweet melodies and lyrics of “Simpletons” and “It’s Not the Same” make the heart pound. The dark, loping guitars on “In the Subway” are fueled by a propulsive snare drum with urgent insistence, while the title track is a spirit-freeing ballad with a soaring chorus.

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