Samuel Flynn Scott, lead singer of The Phoenix Foundation, spent 2007 writing and recording music for Taika Waititi's film 'Eagle Vs Shark' and for The Phoenix Foundation’s third album 'Happy Ending'. This year Samuel Flynn Scott presents his second solo album ‘Straight Answer Machine’ (following his solo debut ‘The Hunt Brings Us Life’ from 2006).

Leading his own band ‘Bunnies On Ponies’ through Lee Prebble’s infamous The Surgery recording studio in Wellington, resulted in a more oblique and grown up sound that deviates from the quirky Americana of his debut, instead communicating a dystopian landscape of melodic pop.

“Going into the studio so soon after finishing Happy Ending was almost accidental. Me and Craig Terris just popped in to lay down an idea, because Lee had a day free in the studio. In about 3 hours we had ‘Moist People’. So we decided to book a few days before Christmas. It was always going to be Craig (drums, vocals), Tom Callwood (bass, vocals) and me but I was keen to get Matt Armitage in on the sessions as well. I asked Matt to come and play guitar primarily, but he ended up playing piano and Wurlitzer on most of the record. Those festive season sessions resulted in ‘Black Mark’, ‘Leave Me Alone’, ‘All My Dreams’ and ‘Your Own Head’. The recording just felt so unforced that we decided to push on, and after about 12 days in the studio we had a mixed record.” Samuel F. Scott.

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 with Matt. 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 3 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 case of trusting instincts and first ideas. I guess that’s how you make a record in under two weeks!” Samuel F. Scott.

Find your own way in a new world with Samuel Flynn Scott’s ‘Straight Answer Machine’, to be set free on April 24 2008.



Samuel F. Scott and The Bunnies On Ponies are;

Samuel Flynn Scott – songwriter, vocals, guitars, keys Samuel has spent most of his recording career working with his band The Phoenix Foundation. He has also performed/recorded with Fly My Pretties, Flash Harry, and The Boomshack as well as recording music for numerous film, tv, dance and theatre projects.
Craig Terris – drums, vocals Craig has been involved in a number of much loved bands including Cassette, with whom he still tours and records extensively, Hell Is Other People and Bacon Foot. Craig will be releasing an album of his own country rock material later this year.
Tom Callwood – bass, vocals Tom has played bass with many different jazz and blues outfits in Wellington. He is a renowned improviser on the double bass but currently spends most of his time locking down the big grooves of The Little Bushman.
Matt Armitage – guitar, keys, vocals Matt played guitar for many years with Welling soul/funk outfit Odessa. He is currently playing base with Good Laika, guitar for The Family Cactus and Ginger Brown and numerous other projects.



WHAT THEY'RE SAYING SO FAR...

“Scott’s best melodies stick in your head as firmly as your own teeth. (...) Capitulation to its fulsome charms is inevitable.”
Sunday Star-Times ****

“Mr Flynn Scott has hit the nail on the head. SAM is a charming, cheekie chappie of a record, truly this is an everlasting gobstopper of a release.”
Cheese on Toast

“I predict that in 20 years time Scott will be credited with changing the face of NZ music. Give them their dues now and go buy this – I guarantee you won’t regret it”
The Press *****

“possibly the closest thing you’re going to find to watching technicolour dolphins frolic in the sea this side of 1969”
Groove Guide ****

“A complete-sounding, confident album from a musician with a well-earned standing in the NZ scene”
NZPA

“The high points of Straight Answer Machine – and there are many – are where melody and lyric effortlessly meld. I feel I have known it all my life and yet it sounds fresh each time I hear it.”
The NZ Listener

“Straight Answer Machine will transport you to a better place during winter”
The Dominion Post ****

“bursting with ideas and tunes… one of the best local releases of the year”
Real Groove ****