ARTICLES

Minuit; A Trilogy of Electronic Expertise

10 August 2004

Author: Stephanie Gray (photography by Stephanie Gray)

Module

Minuit came to town, took photos and posted them on their website the next day with a one-word explanation. "Raucous", they reckoned of the Palmerstonians, a good solid word to describe the rowdy, stomping styles of those in love with electronica.

The electric trilogy of Minuit, Rhian Sheehan and Module made for a moody kind of party at the Coliseum in Palmerston North, one of those nights when you wonder exactly where everyone came from and why you hadn’t seen them at a gig before (a small-city phenomenon). The same thing happened a week before when Trinity Roots brought the beach with them for a summery, sultry set that, at its end, prompted a passionate haka from the front-row fullas. The Roots responded to the challenge with a forty-minute, free-flow encore.

The Manawatu wants more, and they love a good deal! $10 for the Minuit gig, a complete experience with VJs, nice lighting and two view-obstructing pillars ("The Coliseum"). And they love their homeboys - the Module electronic maestros – singing along to some of the songs circulating on the b-Net stations.

A tough little ship, Module is manned by Jeramiah Ross, who stands surrounded by machinery making synth soundscapes and space-boogie. Rafael Hammond warms up the scene, with a sway of violin and the lovely wood-tones of conga and bongos like living creatures amongst the keyboards and cords. Animal meets machine and it’s beautiful, mate.

Module

lthough ‘beautiful’ ought best be kept for the next band – Rhian Sheehan, his girls and guest Jeramiah. Thanks to flautist Kirsten Johnstone, who at first stepped out solo with a koauau to let loose the inimitable tones of the oldest Maori flute amongst the big black boxes of the 21^st century; and to Jess Chambers’ flawless, effortless singing enhancing Sheehan’s down-tempo idiosyncratic styles. Where were the couches, the candles and cushions? So true was Sheehan’s set, it could have been his album through an awesome stereo in the comfort of your own home.

The awesome stereo sound was not enough for Minuit’s big, big breakbeats however. Those lovely nutters deserve a big fat PA and I have heard more oomph from them across a valley in torrential rain. It was a characteristically high-energy performance from the three-piece that started out as a rock-band and still kind of sound like one. They seem like such good friends, those three. Ruth turns her back for bits to dance to the drumbeats and samples laid down by Paul and Ryan and they grin their heads off!

And then it was jackets, scarves and gloves and out into the cold for a breath of fresh air. Up next? The mysterious Black Ball on Broadway, Friday the 13^th. Check out this site for photos and a rundown.