Showing posts with label olmecha supreme. Show all posts
Showing posts with label olmecha supreme. Show all posts

Thursday, 31 May 2007

REVIEW: Strictly138

STRICTLY138
SANDWICHES
FRIDAY 25 MAY
By Lucy Wyatt

Seriously rockin up the dance floor at Sandwiches, Strictly138 are truly Wellington’s bass weight. After the incredible success of London’s Digital Mystikz on our shores, this crew gave us a taste of the sound that is dubstep. With this moody fusion of dub, breakbeat and 2-step these deep tunes were pumped out by Kaps, P-Vans, Steepa-D, Flex and MC M.Tekka. Imon Star hit the stage with his quality sound, promoting his “afro futuristic roots” band Olmecha Supreme, with his lyrical voice giving us the blast we have missed from his days with Rhombus.

Dubstep takes music to another level, and Strictly138 are definitely the boys to do this. The vibe was one of clear approval and the crowd were a collective of smiles and deep pumping moves with the sound system shaking up the venue. The beats totally mess up your mind, and tracks such as P-Vans’ “Ghost Pennies” haunt your soul with an eerie, intelligent ambience. The bass vibrates through your body, resulting in a full sensory experience. As dance music progresses up another notch, New Zealand is adamant not to be left behind the rest of the world.

Strictly138 offers an unforgettable night with their array of local bass culture. The captivated crowd at Sandwiches were built up to a happy, sweaty finish as this dynamic session wound up. It is true to say that our lips have been well and truly wettened with a taste of the future sound of music that pushes the boundaries of what we knew and loved before. It’s all about variety and with so many wicked roots, dub and indie bands emerging, it’s so refreshing that the dj’s are keeping up with the progression forward, offering a new, and inspiring sound to dance to. Keep a look out for your next dubstep fix, but be warned these boys mean business.

Saturday, 26 May 2007

REVIEW: Rhombus

RHOMBUS - ONWARDS TOUR
SANDWICHES
FRIDAY 11 MAY
By Lucy Wyatt

Launching their Onwards tour, Rhombus’ first landing was Wellington’s Sandwiches to introduce their new crew. Plugging last year’s much needed international release of Onwards: Remixes and Archives, the culturally diverse crowd were eager to hear where Rhombus were at. With the band’s dynamic, (some would say crucial) front man, Imon Star’s departure last year, now directing his energy on his new group Olmecha Supreme, Rhombus have felt their vocalists’ loss. Formed in 2001, this tour is a symbol of change and a new structure looking ahead. Now spreading their voice and the spirit of their past successful albums Bass Player and Future Reference, throughout New Zealand, Australia and Japan.

The remix of Swans gracefully glides through the air, with Lisa Tomlin’s deeply soulful brilliance soaring high. Again with DJ Fitchie and Tony Chang’s funky mix up of Mile High, Lisa’s voice is a strength that adds to Rhombus’ depth, ensuring the crowd were all positive smiles and dancing feet. Sticking with the ladies here, Raashi Malik’s voice enlightens the band with her Indian roots. Her voice encapsulates her Eastern culture and again Raashi’s glowing input was widely respected and embraced by the expressive and contented crowd.

MC Antsman and Lisa Tomlin together had it going on with Future Reference, proving to be a favorite on the dance floor. Spaceman was part of their second encore allowing a nostalgic grin and MC Mana’s lyrical blast in Onward also kicked things up nicely with a heartfelt dub vibe. It is true to say the energy isn’t the same with the lack of Imon and Aaron, but the remixes are tight and their travels ahead could add another level to this band’s lifespan. As long as they keep producing the quality sounds of the old Rhombus, their original and future fans shall not be disappointed.