Fronted by Tui Mamaki and Monsieur E., the group has woven electronic soundscapes with organic textures (including conch shell), occasional spoken-word pieces as well as forays into ambient trip-hop and a take on dub in which beats are shattered then re-formed into more angular rhythms.
It's a curious yet effective hybrid over which vocals are laid in an almost distracted fashion.
Sometimes this tends towards a disconcerting obliqueness (Pharaoh's Milkyway); other times it's highly compelling (Rain). Refreshingly original.
- Mamaku. Twigs of Gold. Aeroplane.
- 3 stars out of 5
Single download: Blank Canvas
For those who like: Portishead, Rhombus
