Witchdoctor

17/11/2024

Here's my rather inept review of Heilung, a most extraordinary band. They're playing again tonight. See them if you can.

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/heilung-a-cyberpunk-reimagining-of-ancient-culture/

Hardened atheist GARY STEEL attends bizarre show by German/Nordic group Heilung and has “spiritual” experience.

14/11/2024

Shout, shout, let it all out, here are my latest TV streaming reviews. Woo and hoo.

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/the-best-and-worst-streaming-tv-shows-films-right-now-6/

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.

11/11/2024

In part 2 of a survey of the complete musical works of Sir David Michael Hasselhoff, MATT KELLY describes a truly horrible record.

In part 2 of a survey of the complete musical works of Sir David Michael Hasselhoff, MATT KELLY describes a truly horrible record.

11/11/2024

Pat Pilcher gives the thumbs up to Lenovo's snazzy handheld Xbox-style gaming thingy.

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/lenovo-legion-go-the-handheld-xbox-to-rule-them-all/

While the world waits for an Xbox handheld controller Lenovo goes ahead and throws the Legion Go onto a hungry market. And, writes PAT PILCHER, it's a doozy.

10/11/2024

Sexy stereo of the day.

08/11/2024

My profile on Neill Duncan (RIP) has just been published on AudioCulture, and here it is:

https://www.audioculture.co.nz/profile/neill-duncan

07/11/2024

Is Corben Simpson NZ's own Syd Barrett? I delve into the perplexing history of our most enigmatic singer-songwriter in my review of two new compilations, one a CD and another a vinyl LP.

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/dance-around-the-world-with-corben-simpson/

He won a Silver Scroll award in 1971. He sang for Blerta. He recorded an album in bed. After more than 50 years Corben Simpson is finally on CD and fresh vinyl. GARY STEEL takes a listen.

07/11/2024

I loved this book. Here's my review of it.

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/84678/

05/11/2024

Like the idea of brewing your own beer/saving heaps in the process? Has Pat Pilcher got the thing for you!

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/getting-the-brewing-bug-with-mangrove-jacks-starter-kit/

03/11/2024

Microsoft's new Surface Pro 11 has so much going for it that it's a pity Microsoft's charging through the nose to get all the desirable extras, writes Pat Pilcher.

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/the-new-surface-pro-11-a-winner-with-a-few-serious-caveats/

There's a lot to like about Microsoft's svelte new Surface Pro 11 tablet/laptop but PAT PILCHER has a few niggles about the cost of necessary add-ons.

29/10/2024

Kiwi music legend Corben Simpson finally makes it to CD and fresh vinyl. I take a listen.

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/dance-around-the-world-with-corben-simpson/

He won a Silver Scroll award in 1971. He sang for Blerta. He recorded an album in bed. After more than 50 years Corben Simpson is finally on CD and fresh vinyl. GARY STEEL takes a listen.

29/10/2024

Andy Baker spent a couple of months with a pair of Theophany loudspeakers and had his breath taken away... again and again and again.

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/theophanys-airo-loudspeakers-are-a-sonic-marvel/

ANDY BAKER lives with a pair of gorgeous Theophany Airo loudspeakers for a few months and is blown away by their soundstage, dynamics and presence.

27/10/2024

Here's a quick and affordable way to add smarts to your telly

Time's up for fiddly wee doodads like Chromecast writes PAT PILCHER, who is quite taken with both the aesthetics and abilities of Google's new TV streamer.

27/10/2024

Both aesthetically and in terms of its abilities Google's new TV streamer is a doozie, writes Pat Pilcher.

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/goodbye-chromecast-hello-google-tv-streamer/

Time's up for fiddly wee doodads like Chromecast writes PAT PILCHER, who is quite taken with both the aesthetics and abilities of Google's new TV streamer.

24/10/2024

I watched 10 really great documentaries on Neon.

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/10-great-documentaries-on-neon-right-now/

Sky TV’s Neon streaming service has got a cracker of a selection of documentaries at the moment. GARY STEEL reviews a sampling.

22/10/2024

Witchdoctor reviews the first-ever Technics wireless/active speaker system, a 'premium class' beaut.

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/technics-sc-cx700-smart-speakers-for-smart-spaces/

Lucky WADE BOOTH gets to preview the first ever Technics premium wireless speakers and check out just how smart they really are.

22/10/2024

10 (mostly Kiwi) wines you should try this spring.

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/10-mostly-kiwi-wines-you-should-try/

When PHIL PARKER isn't drinking and writing about it he's taking avid drinkers on tours of Auckland wineries. Below is a superb selection of his current tipples.

21/10/2024

Pat Pilcher gives Motorola's new mid-price phone a gold award.

https://www.witchdoctor.co.nz/2024/motorolas-edge-50-pro-a-flagship-smartphone-in-all-but-price/

After auditioning Motorola's snazzy new Edge 50 Pro PATRICK PILCHER wonders why the gadget-obsessed aren't more keen on the impressive trickle-down technology of mid-price phones.