Rhombus in Dub

Set free October 2008, the third full-length Rhombus album ranges from downtempo to the crazy and insane, mashing up socially conscious lyrics over sonic oceanic beats.

Rhombus have been working it hard on the live circuit, winning respect for their energetic shows at home, Australia and Japan.

The Rhombus dub trio have injected an atom smashing vibe into their South Pacific brew of dub 'n’ bass, hip-hop, soul, funk, and roots-reggae.

The Rhombus production crew comprises band founders Thomas Voyce and Simon Rycroft with Koa Williams. In addition to production, Thomas plays bass / keys and writes lyrics, Simon handles electronic tweaks, beats and dubs while Koa takes to turntable duties as DJ.

The latest album stars stalwart Rhombus vocalists MC Antsman, MC Mana, Raashi Malik and Lisa Tomlins, together bringing a powerful and soulful voice to Rhombus. Of note, Lisa Tomlins, one of the country’s most versatile singers, delivers a killa MC debut on the aptly titled tune Prize Fighter.

Original Studio One DJ and singer Ranking Joe adds his trademark ‘Bang-Dilly’ vocal style to rub-a-dub ska track Babylon Retreat, and another Jamaican vocalist, Junior Kelly guests on soulful dancehall number Royalty.

Reflecting the Rhombus connection to Japan, Article 9 features Japanese MCs Piyo, Ayumu, Chikau and Koursuke. The Article 9 beats were first struck somewhere between Guatemala and Mexico while the band was aboard the Japan-based global NGO Peace Boat. The vocals were then recorded between San Francisco, Hawaii and Tokyo.

The soundscape for an instrumental, Pinata, sprung to life from a selection of field recordings made when Rhombus were docked in Guatemala.

Other local collaborators on the album include Darren 'D' Mathiassen on drums, Peter Hill on guitar, Daniel Yeabsley and Lucien Johnson on sax, Nick van Dijk on trombone and Toby Laing on trumpet. Darcy O’Brien makes an appearance on Serato cuts, scratching Rhombus session samples.

Rhombus have been spreading the word since 2002, touring on both local and international stages, which include Australia and Japan. Their unique sound has put them at the top of the New Zealand music industry having performed alongside the likes of St Germain (France), Fat Freddy's Drop (NZ), Salmonella Dub (NZ), Michael Franti (USA), Dry and Heavy (Japan), Trinity Roots (NZ), Gomez (UK), Kora (NZ), Shapeshifter (NZ), Katchafire (NZ), they were also billed for New Zealand’s Big Day Out in 2003 and 2006, laying testament to their profile in their local scene.

http://www.rhombus.co.nz/
http://www.myspace.com/rhombusmusic

Event listed by Blair Asplin

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