Mo Etc. - Album Review: Platonic/Romantic (Live At Bats)
This is the first full outing from the
Wellington ‘electronic R’n’B’ combo of Moana Ete, Slade Butler and Marcus
Gurtner. Those familiar with the latest Fly My Pretties excursion will recognise the distinctive voice that sings Mud & Stardust, a version of which is presented here in quite a different
frame.
The first thing that jumps out in this collection is the element of timbre. In New Zealand music, 'Post-Lorde' can mean that the character of sounds has become a key element in arranging-the more distinctive the better. This is a key concept here. Special care has been taken with instrumental sounds- rare is the drum or keyboard patch that is repeated from song to song- and added to this is a singer who really pays attention to how her voice actually sounds. Throughout vocalist Ete carefully shapes her notes and phrases with a range of techniques, some theatrical, some physical, some of her own creation, to powerful effect. Sonically, this album has instrumental and vocal character everywhere that you care to listen.
The second thing that jumps out is the rhythmic sensibility. This trio combines voice/keys/percussion in arrangements that have been developed with an interactive and supportive intent. In this respect the 'RnB' and 'electronic' tags do them no favours, as this is a musical environment where the way the instruments react/respond to each other is crucial… it doesn’t feel 'programmed' like electronica, nor does it rely on a 'backing' for hysterical vocal pyrotechnics either-which has become todays standard RnB cliché. Its definitely music made with a “sum-of-the-parts” methodology, and although this is certainly a vocal album, the musical settings rely very much on this idea-that the voice is part of the arrangement but not the point of the arrangement.
It's clever stuff, this. Not a lot of dynamic variation, and tempos tend towards the slower-so no ‘big noise’-but this is music that has attention to detail and that’s what makes it compelling- there’s nothing superfluous here. Every note has been placed ‘just so’. It’s a rewarding listen-take some time with it.
Trevf
About Mo Etc.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Mo Etc.
Other Reviews By Trevor Faville
Elmo Strauss - Album Review: In My Sleep
08 Dec 2023 // by Trevor Faville
Elmo Strauss began writing, recording and producing music in the format he describes as a ‘One Man Band’ since 2021, with the release of debut album Light and Dark. In My Sleep is his latest collection and is a logical follow on from the first album, in terms of the sound and the process.
Read More...
The Fuzzies - Album Review: Cupid
15 Nov 2023 // by Trevor Faville
The Fuzzies are a three-piece self-described ‘Alternative pop trio’ from Auckland. Collectively Niki Maera (Mary), Kelly Michael (Tabula Rasa, Enshrine) and Andrew Maitai (Powertool Records, Joed Out) bring the momentum of considerable experience into the music on this album.
Read More...
Claudia Robin Gunn - Album Review: Firefly
02 Oct 2023 // by Trevor Faville
Working in music education gives some insight into what challenging area that Children’s Music can be. The first essential consideration is simply coming to terms with the makeup of the audience, and knowing that children, whanau, and teachers are combined into particularly unique ‘demographic’.
Read More...
Hummucide - Album Review: Tides
18 Aug 2023 // by Trevor Faville
Hummucide are a well established group of musicians originally based in Wellington (although now working round the world) “Heavy Jazz” is the way they describe their sound, and that's an accurate phrase- and a rather nifty one, too. Tides is the group's first full length album release and it's the result of an extensive and extended process of crafting and refining.
Read More...
Tone6 - Single Review: Close Your Eyes
05 Jul 2023 // by Trevor Faville
Tone6 are a vocal group from Auckland, consisting of Kirita Leavasa , Selevasio Tu'ima, Peachez Vetenibua, Seletute Tu'ima, Viliami Tupa'i and Shaelyn Togafiti , who began working together when attending Saintzup Performing Arts School. The collective experience and ability of these singers belies their youth, and while Close Your Eyes is just their second release, it's a powerful and assured musical statement.
Read More...
Yann Le Dorré - Single Review: I Love You
09 Jun 2023 // by Trevor Faville
I Love You is the second solo release from Yann Le Dorre, formally a mainstay in the Poneke-based ‘gutter folk’ outfit Yolk. I Love You a follows a path described by previous release Missed as clear development from the work Le Dorre has done in Yolk- removed is the extra instrumentation in favour of a baritone voice set in a minimalist musical backing.
Read More...
Ivy - Single Review: Heartless
19 May 2023 // by Trevor Faville
Ivy are easily one of the more sonically ambitious bands that you can hear from Aotearoa New Zealand currently. Heartless is their latest work following on from last year's EP For The Sake of It, where it would not sound at all out of place.
Read More...
Valley Kids - Single Review: Otherside
10 May 2023 // by Trevor Faville
Poneke based Valley Kids have been drawing a career arc that continues upward from their first release in 2020, and with the support of NZ On Air the four piece have released their third single Otherside. Right from the opening guitar refrain, it's clear what an experienced and cohesive unit this is.
Read More...
Most Viewed Artists
Latest Galleries
NZ Top 10 Singles
- TOO SWEET
Hozier - BEAUTIFUL THINGS
Benson Boone - LOSE CONTROL
Teddy Swims - I LIKE THE WAY YOU KISS ME
Artemas - SATURN
SZA - STICK SEASON
Noah Kahan - END OF BEGINNING
Djo - LIKE THAT
Future And Metro Boomin feat. Kendrick Lamar - ESPRESSO
Sabrina Carpenter - WE CAN'T BE FRIENDS (WAIT FOR YOUR LOVE)
Ariana Grande
More Content on muzic.net.nz
Google Site Search
100% New Zealand Music
All content on this website is copyright to muzic.net.nz and other respective rights holders. Redistribution of any material presented here without permission is prohibited.
Report A Problem
