Kieran Monaghan: History Wringing
By Renee Jones
This beautifully packaged CD is released on the experimental label PseudoArcana, and it may be better described as a work of music married with performance poetry, as opposed to a regular collection of 'songs'. The album thematically explores the processes and results of colonisation. 'History Wringing' records the first solo performance work by Kieran Monaghan, a leading figure in the Wellington 'adventurous music' scene. The tracks merge percussion, tape noise and spoken word into a rhythmic, almost hypnotic blend. The poetry sounds quite harsh and jarring over the percussive rhythms, as Monaghan doesn't have the most musical or mellifluous speaking voice, but it works well with the music and the theme is certainly not treated lightly. The package includes the lyrics of each of the tracks, informative liner notes and maps of the early colonisers, and original artwork. 'History Wringing' is a well-conceived and challenging release for anyone interested in the more experimental avenues of music in New Zealand. Available through: www.sphosting.com/pseudoarcana/current.htm
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