Perfectly poised between analogue electronic mastery and ‘60s guitar awesomeness.       
Sounding like a Soviet-era Dr Who special invaded by ‘60s psych guitarists, Auckland-based musician (and Futurians alumni) Kraus’ Golden Treasury is one of the most enjoyable and effortlessly adventurous albums you’re likely to hear this year. An assured collection of clattering, pop-laced tunes mixed in with lo-tech electronic excursions (often at the same time), these tracks recall the knob-twiddling works of Raymond Scott/Joe Meek with Xpressway-informed undercurrents. A renowned maker of electronic musical devices, Kraus has recorded this LP with an impeccable ear for aural aesthetics. These tracks are bite-sized chunks of goodness – check out second track O’erdose with its caveman playing-guitar-on-a-mountaintop vibe, hints of electronic buzz peek out from behind hermetical soloing. The deployment of mysterious (Middle Eastern?) guitar scales adds to a feeling of distant worlds revealed. Happening for Lulu is a catchy gem featuring some lovely flute alongside spot-on guitar licks, while the tipsy tumbling of sherry keeps listeners enjoyably off-balance. The excellently titled Ode to a Delicious Pudding says it all. A winner – worth tracking down.