Robert Scott is a man who needs little introduction. But, then again most well regarded cult musicians who hardly gain the proper attention they deserve usually do. Being a critical member of the New Zealand Dunedin scene where he played in two of its essential bands on the Flying Nun roaster The Bats and The Clean, Robert Scott has written his fair share of songs over the past three or four decades. That’s why it comes as a surprise that his second solo record is literally exploding with ideas, it seems the creative river hasn’t gone dry just yet for our favourite New Zealander.

“On The Lake” kicks it off with a Bats-esque jangly guitar melody and atmospheric organ. Scott’s lonely hearted vocals are sounding better than they ever have especially towards the end of the track where multi-layered yelps and echoes of ‘We’re on the lake’ swallow the track straight to the bottom. “Carmilla” is a quiet contrast with some female vocals thrown in the mix. Title track “Ends Run Together” is a call and response number, which fittingly has both Scott and his female counterpart finishing each other’s sentences are weaving in and out of one another.

“The Moon Upstairs” is another example of perfect pop, with its 80s underlying organ and simple chords, the track spins off into lead-guitar harmonies galore with a hand-clap drum beat that you could listen to for hours. Glockenspiel on “Greenwood Tree”, string sections on “Born In A Tent” – “Ends Run Together” isn’t short on variation or ideas. Scott even throws in something of a CAN “Future Days” homage with the track “Daylight” towards the end of the record. Not to mention the eno-ambience of “Tuscan Nights”, very similar to something you’d get on “Another Green World” – The creepy ambience that randomly appears on the last three tracks in a nice conclusion to an album of art-pop and catchy radio-friendly sensibilities.

“Ends Run Together” isn’t just a record aimed at fans of The Bats or The Clean, but still it’s going to definitely satisfy their needs. This could be just the beginning of a new chapter in the ever-growing collection of songs delivered by one of New Zealand’s finest. Scott has created a laid-back collection of tracks that you can either soak up and enjoy every aspect of, or just have it playing without requiring immediate attention.

Review score: 8/10