The Feelers

by Kelvin Hayes
The trio of James Reid (vocals/guitar), Matt Thomas (bass), and Hamish Gee (drums) carry a folk-rock essence, adding the occasional electronic garnish. Supersystem and the single "Pressure Man" netted them Best New Zealand Band of 1999. For Communicate, the band recorded in Auckland and London with Foo Fighters' producer Gil Norton, who brought new textures, realizing vocal attributes between Reid and Peter Gabriel. A highlight is ambient rocker "As Good As It Gets."