Straight Answer Machine
by Samuel Flynn Scott / 2008
Release Notes
Pressing play on the opening track and lead single ‘Llewellyn’ is like falling down the rabbit hole and finding yourself in Samuel’s wonderland. Hypnotic reversed electric guitar notes sprout through grassy acoustic strings underfoot. Samuel’s lyrical magic paints swirling imagery that surrounds you as his echoing voice gently beckons you to follow him. A request that is completely irresistible.
Lilt along ‘Sodium Ions’, a path featuring structured rolling guitar phrases accompanied by bubbles of brass (played by Cassette/Head Like A Hole alumni, Thomas Watson) that drift by and pop in the distance. ‘Raver On Probation’ sails up, a sing-a-long ship that introduces classic rock’n’roll elements further emphasized in ‘Leave Me Alone’, which hoists you on board and rallies you in with the animated hand-clapping crew.
Lie back on ‘Black Mark’ beach and watch the clouds overhead as ukulele melodies dance over the bass waves on the shore... discovering the rest of this wonderland is up to you.
“The songs on this record have been inspired by a number of experiences. Traveling to the US with The Phoenix Foundation, playing in a Rock’n’Roll covers band, and jamming on ukuleles. But I think more than anything this is a band record. The Bunnies On Ponies set out be a psycho-tropic folk feast and after almost three years of taking it slowly we have finally found that sound. Feeling so good about this band also made me less self conscious of sounding like TPF, it was more a case of trusting instincts and first ideas. I guess that’s how you make a record in under two weeks!”- Samuel Flynn Scott