Ghostplane: Panther Valley Country Club

Reviewed by GRAHAM REID

(Herald rating: * * * * )

Insinuating, sometimes slightly abrasive altcountry-cum-indie rock from a Wellington four-piece (and guests) but whose nearest living relative is perhaps Calexico, another on that axis of bent but beautifully engrossing melodies and gentle surprises from an op-shop collection of instruments. Opener Flame on Lense (sic) is a brittle start but then the mood goes down until trumpet and hammered wah-wah over electronic drums kick in for the State Hijak and the droning and dreamy vocals lift you off your seat. Lots of musical information in these seven, neo-psychedelic tracks — from the funk-country folk-rock (with electronica) of The Straight and Narrow to the menacing didgeridoo-driven Electric Range — and a pleasing sense of ennui elsewhere. Recommended.

Label: Arch Hill