Album of the month: October 2026

It's October and time for more favourites from the Soundline team. Each month, we're sharing an album that's earned a special place in one of our staff member's music collections. Discover what makes it worth a listen, the standout tracks and why we think it deserves a spin on your Hi-Fi

James - Soundline Christchurch

Pink Floyd: Live in Pompeii – MCMLXXII – 2025 Remix

In 1971, Pink Floyd filmed and recorded a concert to zero patrons in the amphitheatre at Pompeii with the intention of turning it into an Art-house film to be released in '72. Over the years the film was re-released 3 more times in various formats to varying but mostly not great, success.
Until 2025 when a 4K restored version with the soundtrack remixed by Steven Wilson was re-released in theatres and shortly after on Bluray, Vinyl and CD.
This time they got it right. The sound, the visuals, maybe just the right time in history. Live in Pompeii was finally a success, over half a century later.
I recently received the CD for my birthday.
The feeling of the album is quintessential early pink floyd with long drawn out 'lyricless' musical numbers like Echos and One of these days, but the sound quality is on par with something released in the past 5 years! Amazing, Steven Wilson is clearly a re-mastering magician.
It's also very cool to hear and feel some of the building blocks that would become Dark side of the moon like the iconic heartbeat in the opening track "Pompeii Intro"
I didn't get to see the film in theatres in 2025 and I had no idea of the journey it took to get here, but now having heard its story and it's sound, I think I might buy the 4K Bluray as well.
Thanks Warren for the CD.

Ben - Soundline Christchurch

Creature of Habit by Courtney Barnett

The latest release from deadpan guitar hero / songwriter, Courtney Barnett. Known for writing jangly rock tunes about everyday life with an endearingly dry wit, this album is no different in that regard. Her band is in top form, adding raw, grungy instrumentation behind her almost lazy vocals. What stood out to me on this latest record was the increased punchiness and production flourishes. It marks a step up in sonic detail from her previous efforts. That said, if her wavelength catches you, her whole catalog is worth a deep dive. I can also highly recommend her live show, having seen her twice. She will be playing in Christchurch at the Isaac Royal Theatre this November. As of writing this, a handful of tickets are still available.

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