RHUM

Heading to the first NZ showcase of the Australasian World Music Expo at the Black Box (Victorian Art Centre), I was excited to finally see Mihirangi. Funny, I only caught the last part of her set but she was my least favourite act of the night. She has a great voice but with all the loops and pedals, she did seem to be struggling at times to sing over herself. She's also breaking in a new band, this was only their second gig. I didn't see the whole set so I'll try not to make too many harsh judgments, but vocal effects and a DJ does not an experimental act make. It felt generic to me. Also, maybe next time she'll come up with a fancier stage outfit than a sack dress over jeans. A little effort hon. She's very young still, with a no doubt bright future, I'm just an old bitch.

Much more towards my happy place tonight was Rhombus. Great band, great singer with real presence. Their bio says they're hip-hop, soul, funk, dub and bass roots reggae, and who am I to argue. I felt like the singer was coming mostly from a soul music place (the good 60's kind) while the band worked through the other styles. Anyone who's read my reviews will know that one of the things I praise most is not feeling forced. Well Rhombus have got flow. Yes indeed. And their keyboard player is such a happy looking cat - to an infectious degree. I found them utterly charming and fun to dance to and the people around me sure seemed to too. Plus I got to dance next to their lead singer afterwards. I was quietly excited.

Then there was Batucada Sound Machine. 13 people on one stage who manage to not knock each other over is always impressive. And not kill each other on tour. Amazing! And the music? An explosion of percussion, horns, guitars bass and vocals that will make you dance. Unless you're dead. So tight, so funky, so joyous, without giving you a pain in the arse. At one point their original sax player rejoined them on stage, the crowd went wild, suddenly they were a 14 piece! We danced and danced some more. I love this band! They're on tour round the country as we speak, you best go see them. Dance dammit, it's good for you.

A gallery of photos from AWME is available in the Galleries area of RHUM.

Photography Eleanor Gee