Couchmaster is the fifth album by New Zealand band the Bats, released in 1995. It was their last studio album release for ten years.
"Afternoon in Bed" was released as a CD single that included three additional non-album tracks.
Composition Main writer Scott said, "I was going through a breakup with my partner at the time I was writing, so I made the lyrics pretty dark. Musically, I prefer minor keys, and there's a few different tunings as well, so that gives it an extra edge. We didn't go into the studio and think we were going to make a dour, dark album — that was just how it came out, the way we ended up playing them."
Reception CMJ New Music Monthly said the album "eschews fuzziness and grinding noises to craft carefully sensitive, harmony-heavy, sparkling, introspective guitar tunes that manage to sound happy-go-lucky even when Scott sings about malevolent childhood specters, lost loves or fear of flying." AllMusic said it was when the band, "finally move from being simply a very good group with inspired moments to a great band, flat out. Scott's still wistful, still questioning lyrics are as strong as ever, and the band sounds newly energized."
Track listing
Personnel Malcolm Grant - drums, percussion Paul Kean - bass, guitar, backing vocals, ukulele Robert Scott - vocals, guitar, keyboards Kaye Woodward - guitar, vocals
Also credited: Crispin Vinnell - French horn Arnie Van Bussel - engineer
References