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Rhombus

Bio

One of Aotearoa’s finest ensemble of musicians...

The Rhombus sound is a seamless blend of hip-hop, soul, funk, dub and bass roots-reggae, spliced together with socially conscious lyrics.

They've forged a well-deserved reputation as one of New Zealand's most original and energetic live acts, selling out shows and festivals across the country.

Initiated in 2001, by founding members Thomas Voyce and Simon Rycroft, Rhombus is a constantly evolving collective featuring the rotating talents of vocalists MC Antsman, MC Mana, Raashi Malik, Lisa Tomlins, Darren 'D' Mathiassen (drums) and musicians/producers Thomas Voyce (bass / Keys), Simon Rycroft (beats and dubs), Koa Williams (DJ / Manager), along with other occasional guest musicians and technical artists.

A scroll through the line-up underlines the diversity of the Rhombus collective: vocalist Lisa Tomlins is a world-class diva, frequently guesting with the internationally-acclaimed Fat Freddy's Drop and Recloose; fellow vocalist Raashi Malik, of Indian descent, is recording her solo album (due 2007) under the influential sounds of India and Aotearoa, with producer Rhian Sheehan; MC Anstman is instrumental in the development of Pacific culture through his work with Creative New Zealand; MC Mana has MC'd extensively with many acts across different genres, including multiple award-nominated punk rockers the Bleeders; while leading New Zealand contemporary artist Michel Tuffery, who supplied Future Reference's artwork, continues his involvement with Onwards, and demonstrating the Rhombus vision of engaging other artistic mediums to create another level of experience for the audience.

Over the past six years, Rhombus has developed a strong following among international audiences for their eclectic, energetic and funky blend of music.

Last year's international release of 'Onwards: Remixes and Archives' - a collection of remixes and unreleased tracks compiled from their archives and first two acclaimed and successful albums, 'Bass Player' and 'Future Reference' - was extremely well received across Australia, New Zealand and more recently Japan.

Since 2002, Rhombus have forged a well-deserved reputation as one of New Zealand's most original and energetic live acts. Their unique sound has put them at the top of the New Zealand music industry having performed alongside the likes of St Germain (France), Fat Freddy's Drop (NZ), Salmonella Dub (NZ), Michael Franti (USA), Dry and Heavy (Japan), TrinityRoots (NZ), Gomez (UK), Kora (NZ), Shapeshifter (NZ), Katchafire (NZ), they were also billed for New Zealand's Big Day Out in 2003 and 2006, laying testament to their profile in their local scene.

Along the way, they've picked up many awards to attest their talent, including New Zealand's Most Promising New Act in 2002; Best Video, Best Electronic Album and Best Album at 2003's New Zealand b-Net Music Awards and recently "Best Aotearoa Roots Album finalist at the NZ 2006 Music Awards.

Rhombus have also given their time to a number of causes including Greenpeace, tsunami relief, surf-aid, the Cancer Society, and the Peace Boat. Their travels on the Japan-based global NGO Peace Boat have taken them through the Caribbean (including Jamaica home of Studio One, King Tubby and many other influential artists) and through the Pacific, spreading the values of sustainability, co-operation and peace from a chartered ship.

Photo: Rhombus @Greenpeace 20years, St James, AK, NZ, July 2005, Credit: Linda Hickman

Band Members:
Simon Rycroft (live programming, dubsnFX)
Thomas Voyce (bass, keyboards)
Koa Williams (DJ)

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Location

  • Wellington

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Comments (Newest First)

Shade
muzic.net.nz Admin

Joined: 17/07/02
Posts: 5072
Location: Manawatu
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Rhombus - third album due in October
Posted: Thu Sep 11, 2008 9:33 am


Rhombus is proud to announce the release of a self-titled album for the people of the long white cloud and beyond.

Set free this October 2008, the third full-length Rhombus album ranges from downtempo to the crazy and insane, mashing up socially conscious lyrics with sonic oceanic beats.

Rhombus have been working it hard on the live circuit the last couple of years, winning respect for their energetic shows at home, Australia and Japan.

Back in the studio crafting the new album the Rhombus dub scientists injected this atom smashing vibe into their South Pacific brew of dub n’ bass, hip-hop, soul, funk, and roots-reggae.

The Rhombus production crew comprises band founders Thomas Voyce and Simon Rycroft with Koa Williams. In addition to production, Thomas plays bass / keys and writes lyrics, Simon handles electronic tweaks, beats and dubs while Koa takes to turntable duties as DJ support for live shows.

The latest album stars stalwart Rhombus vocalists MC Antsman, MC Mana, Raashi Malik and Lisa Tomlins, together bringing a powerful and soulful voice to Rhombus. Of note, Lisa Tomlins, one of the country’s most versatile singers, delivers a killa MC debut on the aptly titled tune Prize Fighter.

Original Studio One DJ and singer Ranking Joe adds his trademark ‘Bang-Dilly’ vocal style to rub-a-dub ska track Babylon Retreat, and another Jamaican vocalist, Junior Kelly guests on soulful dancehall number Royalty.

Reflecting the Rhombus connection to Japan, Article 9 features Japanese MC’s Piyo, Ayumu, Chikau and Koursuke. The Article 9 beats were first struck somewhere between Guatemala and Mexico while the band was aboard the Japan-based global NGO Peace Boat. The vocals were then recorded between San Francisco, Hawaii and Tokyo.

The soundscape for an instrumental, Pinata, sprung to life from a selection of field recordings made when Rhombus were docked in Guatemala.

Other local collaborators on the album include Darren 'D' Mathiassen on drums, Peter Hill on guitar, Daniel Yeabsley and Lucien Johnson on sax,
Nick van Dijk on trombone and Toby Laing on trumpet. Darcy O’Brien makes an appearance on Serato cuts, scratching Rhombus session samples.

RHOMBUS – Tracklisting

1. So Close (ft. Raashi Malik)
2. Losing It (ADD) (ft. Mana)
3. Hawera (ft. Antsman and Lisa Tomlins)
4. Babylon Retreat (ft. Ranking Joe)
5. It's Like This (ft. Antsman, Mana and Raashi Malik)
6. Royalty (ft. Junior Kelly)
7. Home To Me (ft. Lisa Tomlins)
8. Pinata
9. Prize Fighter (ft. Antsman, Mana and Lisa Tomlins)
10. Beautiful Things (ft. Thomas Voyce and Raashi Malik)
11. True Meanings (ft. Antsman and Lisa Tomlins)
12. Article 9 (ft. Japan MC’s: Piyo, Ayumu, Chikau and Koursuke)

Music produced & written by Rhombus. Lyrics by featured vocalists

Additional credits / musicians

Darren Mathiassen: Drums on tracks 1, 2, 9 and 10
Peter Hill: Guitar on tracks 3, 4, 9 and 10
Toby Laing: Trumpet on track 4
Nick van Dijk: Trombone on track 4
Daniel Yeabsley, Lucien Johnson: Sax on track 4
Darcy O’Brien: Serato cuts on tracks 4 and 5
Raashi Malik and Jess Chambers: Backing vocals track 6

All tracks mixed at Trident (Wellington) and Rhombus studios by Rhombus
Mastered at Calyx (Berlin) by Bo Kondren, May 2008

 

Shade
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Joined: 17/07/02
Posts: 5072
Location: Manawatu
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New Rhombus Album
Posted: Tue Nov 14, 2006 9:23 pm
New Rhombus album out – everywhere but here!

Drop the funk, hold the hip-hop and serve up the soul; the new Rhombus album, Onwards: Remixes and Archives is out now, available online only outside of Australia – which includes New Zealand.

The ten-track album of remixes and rarities tracks from previous Rhombus albums Bass Player and Future Reference was a purely home-grown production; marketed, designed and mastered in New Zealand.

However, because of existing record contract restrictions the album is only available in Australia, through Vitamin Records (www.vitamin.net.au)

“Although it won’t be in Aotearoa shops, New Zealand fans won’t miss out because it will be available at our live shows and through the websites,” said Rhombus manager Koa Williams. “Get online to order and it will turn up in the post in a matter of days.”

Album samples can be heard at Rhombus website www.myspace.com/rhombusmusic, featuring the remixing skills of DJ Fitchie (Fat Freddys Drop), Rhian Sheehan and Submariner.

“We’re honoured to have Fitchie, Submariner and Rhian on board to re-rub our favourite tunes,” said Koa. “They’ve mixed their own flavour into our tracks and created some crisp new sounds.

“Onwards is a top road-trip collection, which is ideal for us ‘cos we’ve got a great 2007 summer schedule lined up in Aotearoa festivals and shows throughout Australia and Japan.”

The album also features a breezy revision of The Specials’ Ghost Town, a dubbed-out jam covering the classic British post-punk anthem.

Rhombus: Onwards: Remixes and Archives
Out now online via www.vitamin.net.au
 

Shade
muzic.net.nz Admin

Joined: 17/07/02
Posts: 5072
Location: Manawatu
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Rhombus Australian Gigs
Posted: Sun Nov 5, 2006 9:48 am
Acclaimed New Zealand band RHOMBUS return to MELBOURNE with a seven piece line-up FOR 3 SHOWS ONLY to launch their exclusive Australia release 'ONWARDS: Remixes & Archives' exclusive ONLINE Pre-orders available now at: http://www.vitamin.net.au/

Release date: 13th November 2006

Rhombus are paying homage to their widespread and diverse international fanbase with the release of Onwards: Remixes and Archives, a collection of remixes and unreleased tracks compiled from their Archives and first two acclaimed and successful albums, Bass Player and Future Reference. Rhombus have dived into the crates to re-rub their own works, as well as enlisting the help of internationally-acclaimed kiwi artists DJ Fitchie (Fat Freddys Drop), Submariner and Rhian Sheehan.

RHOMBUS < Aotearoa – NZ > http://www.rhombus.co.nz/

ONWARDS TOUR

AUSTRALIA ALBUM LAUNCH RELEASE NOVEMBER 2006


Special Guests
DIAFRIX - Melbourne
Dj's Choice1 and Koa - NZ

Friday Nov 17th - FRACTURED, Brown Alley, Melbourne
Brown Alley - Cnr Lonsdale + King St
Tickets: $25presale / $15members
Venue + show info: http://www.fractured.com.au/

Saturday Nov 18th - PENINSULA LOUNGE, Peninsula
Tickets: $15 +bf / $20 Door-sales(if available)
Venue + show info: http://www.peninsulalounge.com.au/ Phone: (03) 5978 8717

Sunday Nov 19th - RUBY'S Lounge, Belgrave
Tickets: $15 +bf / $20 Door-sales (if available)
Venue + show info: http://www.rubyslounge.com.au/ Phone: 03 9754 7445

The Rhombus line-up for their Australian remix album launch ‘Onwards’ is:

- Simon Rycroft: Main mix and Dubs
- Thomas Voyce: Bass
- Darren ‘D’ Mathiassen (Hollie Smith): Drums
- MC Antsman / aka DJ Choice1: vocals
- MC Mana: vocals
- Lisa Tomlins (Ebb, Twinset, Fat Freddys Drop, Recloose,): Vox
- DJ Koa
 

sADe

Joined: 07/05/05
Posts: 1
Location: Canterbury
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I lUvZZ RHOmBusS so mucHh
Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2005 9:00 pm
hey err1 hu readin this!!
i luVv rHombuSs so much, ever since I heaRd the song clav dub i feel in luv, my muzik teacha gave me tha cd 2 listen to and nw i dont go newhere wfowt it! i hope to one day meet tha guYz from RhoMbuS and teLl them hW much thEy have InSpired me and helPed me With my Music i hOpe 2 hAve a greAt musiC cAreer one dAy just like these orsum gUyz
sADe ;)
 

Shade
muzic.net.nz Admin

Joined: 17/07/02
Posts: 5072
Location: Manawatu
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Get ready to Rhombus
Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 6:19 pm
GET READY TO RHOMBUS ! That’s right, RHOMBUS surprise and delight us yet again with their latest offering FUTURE REFERENCE. With a fusion of styles as diverse as the collective themselves, RHOMBUS have set their standards higher and they certainly hit the mark with FUTURE REFERENCE, a beautifully crafted album with each member bringing their own unique talents onboard to create an immersion of harmony, bass and beats.

This talented band of players represent a constantly evolving tour de force and guest artists bring their own flavours to add to the mix. The main ingredients remain constant though, and have been responsible for fine tuning this great blend since it’s formative stages: Thomas Voyce, Simon Rycroft, Koa Williams and Ahmen Mahal. The core crew continue to travel through the maze of sound discovery with their much loved Mcs and vocalists, Mana , Antsman and Raashi Malik along with the new addition of Lisa Tomlins, no stranger to the stage and studio, having performed with the likes of EBB, Trinity Roots, Bad Apple Orchestra, Recloose, Fat Freddys Drop and Shaken not Stirred.

The first single off FUTURE REFERENCE is MILE HIGH, and features vocals from Mcs Imon Star, MC Mana and Lisa Tomlins. To accompany the single, a video has been produced by Rhombus’ Koa Williams, edited by Mike “Busy” Bridgman, and written and directed by Scott Harens - ‘Visual Effects Society’ award winner ( “Best Special Effects in a motion Picture” for Lord of The Rings: ‘Two Towers’, and nominee for “Outstanding Special Effects in Service to Visual Effects in a Motion Picture” for The Lord of the Rings: ‘The Return of the King’). Look out for special guest appearances by our very own DJ Mu (aka DJ Fitchie Fat Freddys Drop), Tehimana Kerr (aka Jetlag Johnson Fat Freddys Drop) and Alex Funke (academy award winning Visual Effects Director of Photography for the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy).

With the upcoming release of FUTURE REFERENCE, RHOMBUS are set to take flight. Check Rhombus.co.nz for further info.
 

Shade
muzic.net.nz Admin

Joined: 17/07/02
Posts: 5072
Location: Manawatu
View Profile
Rhombus News
Posted: Sat Nov 2, 2002 10:18 am
You can find a great article on Rhombus here:

http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,2098636a1860,00.html

Shade
muzic.net.nz
 

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