Carnivorous Plant Society's new record brings together the talents of a number of Kiwi musicians. The central five-piece are each recognisable as members of other bands (including Boycrush's Alistair Deverick and Tiny Ruins' Cass Basil), and the impressive features on The New King boast some of New Zealand's top talents. The broad reach of the group adds to its alluring mythology, strengthened by the cinematic narratives of their music, and the added lore to be discovered (including illustrations and audio stories on their website).
In parts, The New King is not quite as engaging as it might have been. The album's one-note style can test the patience during its 45-minute run time, and it lacks cohesion in parts; the second track, Car Dance, doesn't quite manage to become the sum of its parts, with Tiny Ruins singer Hollie Fullbrook's stunning voice under-used on an otherwise hypnotic track.
But as you would expect from a collective of such talented individuals, the musical genius at play is hard to ignore. A sense of expanse permeates throughout; right from Carp in a Pond, the stomping western tale that opens the record, CPS give themselves a generous amount of time to create sweeping musical vistas. At times, that veers into indulgence. But there are more than enough moments where things really click into gear.
Highlights include Don't Go Outside, which gives Fullbrook another go, this time matched brilliantly with Lawrence Arabia on a sprightly jazz-pop track. Best Friends plays like the theme tune of a space sitcom from the 22nd century, complete with a spoken-word epilogue about two canine pals; later, It Has One Eye allows Don McGlashan to show off his dreamy vocals.
While it runs flat in parts, committed listeners will find reward within The New King's complexities. At its best, it's the soundtrack to the sepia-toned, sun-washed short film of your dreams – and it'll be a marvel to see these tracks played live.
