- Samsung’s Galaxy Flip 6: Flipping brilliantIf you’ve been holding off until flip phones got so good that any flaws are negligible PAT PILCHER reckons that with Samsung’s Flip 6, there’s almost nothing not to like. Read his review below.
- Who you jiving with that cosmic debris? Zappa’s Apostrophe (โ) at 50Frank Zappaโs most popular album gets a chunky six-disc elaboration. GARY STEEL wonders whether it warrants the attention.
- Leave no online trace with Norton VPNThere are some compelling reasons for subscribing to a VPN, but what even is a VPN? PAT PILCHER reviews an especially reliable contender and explains its merits. ย
- Samsungโs rugged new Ultra Watch on the test benchPAT PILCHER tries Samsungโs rugged new smartwatch on for size and finds that this handsome beast has plenty to recommend it.
- How to make Google Gemini the Default Android AssistantPAT PILCHER takes Google’s new Gemini AI assistant for a spin and tells you everything you need to know to get this latest greatest app up and running on your phone.
- World’s Worst Records – Alison Gold’s Chinese FoodOur expert on the worst of the worst, the honourable MATT KELLY, gets stuck into a very dubious release that verges on culturally insensitive.
- Deebot X5 Pro Omni: so good it’s practically humanOur resident robot vacuum expert, PAT PILCHER, puts the latest AI-assisted cleaner through its paces and is astounded at its near-human ability to detect and banish the mess.
- Megalopolis is a ghastly messASHTON BROWN checks out legendary film director Francis Ford Coppola’s new opus expecting to be wowed, but gets annoyed and falls asleep instead.
- Isthmus microbrewery: life begins at the hopIn this month’s Crafty Corner column, ASHTON BROWN discovers that his allergy wasn’t caused by beer after all and gets stuck into some super-fine brews.
- Logitech’s Keys To Go 2: Is this the most portable keyboard ever?PAT PILCHER gets his stubby fingers around the keys of the most portable keyboard yet and finds it a great travel companion.
- Technics launches elegant wireless speaker systemNext month Technics will release its first-ever active wireless speaker system, the all-purpose plug-and-play stylish SC-CX700.
- Moon Unit Zappaโs memoir: a ripping rock and roll readThe original valley girlโs memoir is an acutely observed and at times shocking tell-all about growing up in the dysfunctional family of a 1970s rock star, writes GARY STEEL.
- GoPro Hero 13 Black: the best action cam yetDespite his fondness for slouching in front of a games console PAT PILCHER isn’t shy about getting out into a bracing Southerly to test the latest GoPro. And it’s an all-action winner.
- World’s Worst Records – Dizzee Rascal’s The FifthDizzee Rascal has made some acclaimed albums but The Fifth isn’t one of them, writes MATT KELLY, who rues just how low the rapper had to go on this sorry project.
- JBL’s Live Flex 3 Wireless EarBuds are on the caseThese earbuds come in a case that’s a design stand-out but do they offer anything else that makes them stand out from the crowd? PAT PILCHER thinks so.
- Shriekback: Making the brain danceWay back in 1986 GARY STEEL chatted with Shriekback main man Barry Andrews prior to the groupโs NZ tour. Here’s that interview.
- Green with Envy? HPโs X360 Envy 2-in-1 notebook PCHPโs latest Envy laptop can work with its keyboard or as a stand-alone tablet but thereโs much more to it than that, writes PAT PILCHER.
- Audiophile-grade Technics SL-1300G turntable ups the anteTechnics has announced its stunning audiophile-grade SL-1300G turntable boasting innovative Delta Sigma Drive motor control.
- Spring sipping – wine reviewsPHIL PARKER celebrates the hint of warmer temperatures and the slow segue into summer with another selection of tasty wines.
- Stuck between rock and a hi-fi spaceGARY STEEL loves the world of music heโs discovered in hi-fi appreciation but hates what its sonic refinement does to many of his favourite records.
- The great play to pay scamIs it possible to earn decent wads of cash from ‘play to pay’ apps? PAT PILCHER drives himself a little nuts getting to the bottom of this grey area activity.
- World’s Worst Records: Liverpool FC’s Anfield RapMATT KELLY could write a book about the thoroughly awful phenomenon of English football club singles, but wisely chooses to stick to an especially risible example.
- Smart moves: Panasonic TVs return to the USAKiwis love Panasonic panels but they’ve been MIA for some years in the USA. PAT PILCHER details the return of Panasonic TVs to the American market.
- Panasonic Z95A: Is this The Smartest TV ever?New TV models come around each year but PAT PILCHER discovers that Panasonic’s latest isn’t just an evolution, it’s a smart revolution.
- This 2024 HP Spectre laptop is a productivity powerhouseIt may not be cheap writes PAT PILCHER but the latest iteration of HPโs Spectre is a productivity powerhouse that wonโt disappoint serious users.
- WIN this latest greatest Bluesound NODE wireless music streamer!WIN this latest greatest Bluesound NODE wireless music streamer! Enter your details in the box below to go in the draw to win the latest iteration of Bluesoundโs NODE. At the same time, you’ll be signing up to Witchdoctorโs non-invasive and very useful fortnightly newsletter. Bluesound transformed the hi-fi world when it launched the NODE,
- This black box just makes music happenโฆ naturallyAndrew Baker enjoys his time with M2Techโs Classic amp so much that he forgets heโs doing a job and simply listensโฆ and listensโฆ and listens
- The best (and worst) streaming TV shows & films right nowA regular column in which GARY STEEL sifts through the mountain of available streaming TV and brings your attention to great new and old shows as well as those to avoid.
- Bluesound releases a trio of new NODE music streamersBluesoundโs NODE is one of the most successful and affordable music streamers on the market. We detail the companyโs three dashing new models.
- Teremoana Rapley: Back in time to โ97 for the Lifetime Achievement award-winnerTo celebrate her Lifetime Achievement honour at the forthcoming Pacific Music Awards hereโs GARY STEELโs previously unpublished 1997 interview with Teremoana Rapley.
- Guilty Pleasures: Electric Light Orchestraโs EldoradoELOโs grandiose 1974 monstrosity is an over-the-top masterpiece, according to long-time appreciator GARY STEEL.
- Run for your life, aliens attacking!ASHTON BROWN immerses himself in the latest hit from the long-running Alien franchise. Will it be a surprising and original take or simply more of the same, or a bit of both?
- The Fantabulous Witchdoctor Guide To External DACsIf youโre keen to add a sound-transforming digital to analogue converter to your audiophile weaponry, hereโs your entry point. RICHARD BUTTERFIELD is here to guide you through. Engineering is all about compromise, especially when it comes to consumer electronics. Cost is always the biggest factor, with margins and supply chains dictating much of what actually
- These new Panasonic TVs are so smart they break the brain barrierPAT PILCHER attends the launch event of Panasonic’s rather astounding new line-up of super-smart TVs and reports on their exceptional intelligence.
- Tubular Bells โ Played just like the record, but differentMike Oldfieldโs former keyboardist/orchestrator makes a work of genius come alive one more time. Reviewed by GARY STEEL.
- Luxury foldable smartphone just gets betterSamsungโs latest Fold phone is packed with superb technology and features but can it improve on it predecessor? PAT PILCHER walks you through the user experience.ย
- Live Shows From Way Back โ Wellington 1983Gary Steel sniffs out another mouldering review from another not-so-present era. Wellington Performers Collective Fundraiser, Rock Theatre, Friday/Saturday 27/28 May 1983
- An alarming piece of kitIn tough times home security needs solutions and PAT PILCHER finds a security system with a burglar alarm that does what it’s supposed to do.
- World’s worst records: LadbabyMATT KELLY was going to review Journey until he heard Ladbaby’s appropriation of a really shit song. We feel really sorry for him.
- This Daddy Longlegs bitesASHTON BROWN overcame his fear and sat through the latest horror sensation. Here are his thoughts on the film that’s got everyone talking.
- WD My Passport 6TB review – the Tardis of hard drivesThis wee beaut is a great travel companion but will also handle those daily or less regular backup chores with aplomb, writes PAT PILCHER.
- Fine family wines from AotearoaThis month PHIL PARKER features wine from two iconic NZ producers, Sir George Fistonich and Pegasus Bay’s Donaldson family.
- Steve Vai talks Zappa, guitar wizardry and life on the roadGARY STEEL enters the mouldering vault of past interviews and digs out his never-before-published 1997 chat with guitarist extraordinaire, Steve Vai.
- Streaming shows and films to watch right now (in NZ)A regular column in which GARY STEEL sifts through the mountain of available streaming TV and brings your attention to great new and old shows as well as those to avoid.
- Samsung AI update changes everythingSmartphone updates are totally unremarkable, right? Think again. Samsung’s One UI 6.1 is a game-changer, as PAT PILCHER discovered on holiday.
- World’s Worst Records – Fallout BoyMATT KELLY is so fed up with Fallout Boy that he writes his own review of this utter dreck in verse.
- Crafty Corner: winter hopsASHTON BROWN proves that hops put a spring in your step even in the depths of winter by supping on crazy, hazy and even hairy beers.
- Review: Ecovacs Deebot T30 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum CleanerPAT PILCHER is something of an expert in hi-tech robot vacuum cleaners and he explains how this sucky number really is the business.
- World’s Worst Records – Bruno MarsMATT KELLY digs up a record that Bruno Mars might just want to forget in which the pop phenomenon is caught literally taking his baby steps in song.
- How to revolutionise your cooking routinePAT PILCHER was scared stiff of pressure cookers before he came across a cooker that has revolutionised his cooking routine with sensational tasting dishes.
- Is this the solution to NZ’s media crisis?NZ media is in a state of catastrophic upheaval and could be in its death throes. PAT PILCHER wonders if Canada has found a way to keep it alive.
- The long-delayed release of a legendary 1968 performance by Zappa/The MothersFrank Zappa and his Mothers would never be hotter than they were the week in 1968 when this gig was recorded. GARY STEEL takes a listen.
- This mesh router looks like a manta rayWith its ease of set-up, striking design and way of dealing with Wi-Fi dead spots, the Aquila Pro is up there with the best of its kind, writes PAT PILCHER.
- This way cool French amp is a genuine hi-fi bargainOur very own ANDY BAKER gets some luxury time with a French amp thatโs wowing the hi-fi world for its smart feature set and nice price.
- The best (and worst) streaming TV shows & films right nowA regular column in which GARY STEEL sifts through the mountain of available streaming TV and brings your attention to great new and old shows as well as those to avoid.
- Smart features make this affordable phone a contenderPAT PILCHER plays with the new Motorola G34 smartphone and finds that there’s plenty to recommend it for the affordable price.
- World’s Worst Records – David HasselhoffMATT KELLY presents Part One of a survey of the complete musical works of Sir David Michael Hasselhoff. Eek.
- Korero Te ReoPHIL PARKER is all for embracing diversity, especially when it comes to wine varieties from all over the world.
- Engaging sound, amazing price pointWADE BOOTH soaked up the sounds emitting from PSB’s handsome new T65 speakers and found their sound engaging and their price point remarkable.
- Finally, a notebook that does justice to gamingIt’s rare to find a notebook that does gaming well but PAT PILCHER plays with HP’s new Omen Transcend and is pleasantly surprised.
- Arooj Aftab’s heart-stoppingly gorgeous Night ReignGARY STEEL finally finds something to melt into in Arooj Aftab’s bewitching and sensuous new album, Night Reign.
- Do quality audio cables make a difference?The debate rages on. Many self-proclaimed experts reckon that any cheap cable will sound as good as an expensive one. GARY STEEL reveals the truth.
- Perfect PitchTwenty-five years ago GARY STEEL met up with wayward Kiwi electronic duo Pitch Black for a nice chat. A NZ Music Month special.
- Here’s an insanely handy travel gadgetChargers are useless if there’s nothing to charge them with, but PAT PILCHER has discovered a nifty space-saving solution to this dilemma.
- World’s Worst Records: Janelle MonaeMATT KELLY absolutely loved her previous album but Janelle Monae’s latest sucks so bad that he can’t help feel let down.
- You need more Ethernet ports. End of storyPAT PILCHER has one heck of a lot of gadgets which means he needs a lot of Ethernet ports. If you do too, check out this this review.
- The best (and worst) streaming TV shows & films right nowA regular column in which GARY STEEL sifts through the mountain of available streaming TV and brings your attention to great new and old shows as well as those to avoid.
- Furiosa: A Mad Max SagaASHTON BROWN finds the latest instalment of the Mad Max franchise not quite up to scratch but still worth a look-see despite the non-appearance of Mel Gibson.
- Jayrem โ The โnot Flying Nunโ 1980s Kiwi record labelTo celebrate NZ Music Month GARY STEEL digs up a rare 1986 interview with Wellington record label owner Jim Moss.
- Nest, mesh and forgetDesirous of blinding-fast internet speed and no blind spots in your home? PAT PILCHER thinks Googleโs new Nest Wi-Fi Pro might be the answer.
- World’s Worst Records – The Portsmouth SinfoniaMATT KELLY writes about a record that is both diabolically awful and amazingly great and which everyone should get out there and hear.
- Records just sound better this wayGRANT FAMILTON auditions a phono preamp that raises the bar for tube-based gear, and he just canโt stop listening.
- Cutting and crafting with Cricut’s Joy XtraPAT PILCHER details how the latest super-versatile Cricut crafting machine has got his imagination running wild.
- Crafty Corner has an Epic experienceASHTON BROWN gets utterly blotto taste-testing a range of fine beers at the Epic Taproom. ย
- Technics revs up with LamborghiniTechnics and Lamborghini get together on a hot new turntable project.
- Mike Oldfield with bells onMike Oldfieldโs Tubular Bells is over 50 years old but still sounds fresh. GARY STEEL chats with the man behind the upcoming Auckland performance of the iconic work.
- Amazon’s latest smart home hub is touchy-feelyPAT PILCHER plays with Amazon’s latest smart home hub and finds that it’s a nicely intuitive interfacer with his gadget-laden environment.
- World’s Worst Records – Blackout Band1001 Albums You Must Die Before You Hear #103: Blackout Band – Video Games (2007) MATT KELLY writes about the strange case of a band of teens and their 10-year-old rock singer whose voice was like a buzzsaw to the skull. Iโve written before about how artists such as Steve Winwood and Steve Marriott were
- Here’s a keyboard/mouse combo that goes and goesPAT PILCHER bashes out his review on Logitech’s new and nicely-priced keyboard and mouse combo and is highly impressed.
- Long lost stories: The Mockers 41 years agoHELEN COLLETT interviewed The Mockersโ main man Andrew Fagan as the band perched on the edge of chart success. A NZ Music Month special.
- Less expensive than civet cat coffeeInnovative technology, luxury build, beaut design aesthetic and superb musical performance combine on this Kiwi amp writes ANDY BAKER.
- The wetter the better for these wireless earbudsAccording to tech guru PAT PILCHER Jabra’s new midline ear buds like it rough and can handle a deluge of the wet stuff. They sound good too.
- Streaming for a song โ WiiMโs wee winnersThis streamer and amp topple the audiophile applecart with brilliant sound, smart thinking and an unbeatable price, writes WADE BOOTH.
- Aldous Harding: The lost interviewEspecially for New Zealand Music Month GARY STEEL disinters a 10-year-old interview with Aldous Harding conducted at the time of her debut album.
- This ringer is so much more than just a doorbellPAT PILCHER installs and puts the latest Ring doorbell through its paces and finds that it’s a very smart piece of gadgetry indeed.
- World’s Worst Records – The Small FacesMATT KELLY is aghast at how far this formerly great band had fallen by the time of its reunion albums and explains their sad demise.
- Icehouse, 40 years agoItโs not often you get to interview Iva Davies (Icehouse) and Jo Camilleri (Jo Jo Zep) at the same time. GARY STEEL did way back in 1984.
- Hi-Fi Show Report: AXPONAOWEN HARRIS moseyed along to the largest hi-fi show in the USA and instead of just taking in endless rooms of product took time out to attend a selection of seminars.
- HP Launches AI PCsHP is poised to unleash its new AI-enhanced notebooks and tech guru PAT PILCHER got a close look at them at the Australasian launch.
- Gosling’s got charisma-plus but The Fall Guy misses its markASHTON BROWN can’t get his pecker up about a film that despite good stunt-work is just another day another dollar for Ryan Gosling.
- Random Vinyl Play: This 1969 debut is an unheralded classicIn a new column, GARY STEEL dips into his vinyl racks. Today itโs the tasty debut by UK psychedelic band Caravan.
- How not to get your identity stolenPAT PILCHER inspects Norton’s latest identity protection service that offers more than just clever software.
- The best (and worst) streaming TV shows & films right nowA regular column in which GARY STEEL sifts through the mountain of available streaming TV and brings your attention to 10 great new and old shows as well as those to avoid.
- Golden harvest of Autumn winesPHIL PARKER sits back and sips and cogitates while our wine producers toil to get the best of the annual grape harvest.
- Here’s just the thing for those tricky iron-on transfersPAT PILCHER just loves designing and ironing on cool transfers but sometimes things just get too tricky. Is this the solution?
- Reviewer finds tutu-wearing neck-biting kid-vampire flick a bit too-tooASHTON BROWN sits through an ultra-violent film about a murderous child and bizarrely, given his predilections, finds it rather pallid stuff.
- Spotify’s Audiobook revolutionSpotify has just launched its Audiobooks service for free with Premium subscriptions. PAT PILCHER gets an earful of its 250,000 books.
- How to improve your TV viewing experience without spending big bucksWant to exponentially improve your TV viewing experience without adding huge cost to the setup? PAT PILCHER has found a nifty solution.
- 30 Years Ago: Michael Nyman’s unexpected chart successMichael Nyman is not a pop star. Yet his soundtrack to The Piano has landed him in the commercial marketplace, writes GARY STEEL
- Let’s protect and value NZ’s mediaPAT PILCHER examines the media crisis in New Zealand and what can be done to protect this essential tool to ensure the future of democracy.
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