Bats, The – “At the National Grid” – [Magic Marker] (CD)

Legendary New Zealand pop-rock band The Bats return with their first album in 10 years (they’ve been around for 23). It’s pleasant, jangly guitar pop with nice harmonizing vocals. It definitely harkens back to the best of the 80s and 90s guitar bands, with mesmerizing workouts ala their NZ cohorts and American bands like Yo La Tengo. Alastair Galbraith provides violin on a few tracks. This is a beautiful, contemplative, moody and catchy release from 2005. (Added 10-5-2005)

-Cynthia Lombard