GITBOX REBELLION: Pesky Digits

By Michael Flynn

Remastered and looking extremely tasteful in a sumptuous digi pack, this remarkable New Zealand album has been re-released to celebrate the 20th anniversary of what is undoubtedly the country’s finest art-music label, Rattle Records. Gitbox Rebellion came about primarily through Nigel Gavin and a workshop piloted by this masterful guitarist. This is an acoustic guitar-driven album, the likes of which you have never heard before, unless you already owned an original worn down copy or perhaps their follow up release, ‘Touch Wood’. The nine-strong ensemble comprising Gavin at the helm, also includes Kim Halliday, (these days a member of the successful Pacific Curls), Tim Gummer (a Rattle Records founder) and Jonathon Pease. This buoyant and spirited album draws influences from Latin to classical, rock to minimalism and avant-garde. The playing throughout is stunning. The tightly structured pieces all performed on steel string acoustic guitars is breathtakingly beautiful. With close links to Robert Fripp and the League of Crafty Guitarists, the guitar craft influences are clearly to be heard and enjoyed. Directed and arranged by Gavin it was superbly produced by Gummer. If you missed it 20 years ago then it’s time to get a copy.

Related Information

Issues

NZ Musician

February/March 2012