21 Jan 2025
UsernamePassword

Remember Me? | Join | Recover
Click here to sign in via social networking

Beat Rhythm Fashion - Album Review: Critical Mass

07 May 2024 // A review by Peter K Malthus

Beginning life in Wellington's post-punk Terrace scene of the late 70's and early 80's, Beat Rhythm Fashion went on an ostensibly indefinite hiatus in the mid 80's, only to reform 35 years later. Brothers Nino and Dan Birch had been the cornerstone of the trio in its heyday, but sadly Dan passed in 2011. However, the band reformed with long-time drummer Caroline Easther and new bassist Rob Mayes in 2018, releasing the album Tenterhook in 2019. There is a fantastic write-up on the band's storied history, over at Audioculture, here.

Critical Mass is the latest release from the contemporary line-up of Birch/Easther/Mayes, the title referencing both the literal meaning of "to reach a breaking point/a point of propulsion to another place or state" and also a commentary on the "mindset of the modern world...The “Critique” of our world by us. “The Critics”, critiquing us. "Mass”, in religion. The multi-layered and complex world we live in now". The eleven-track album is a magnificent presenting of masterful talent, the post-punk dreamy shoegaze pioneers at the top of their game.

Fall & Rise Again starts off with an artful blend of darkness and light, the superb vocal harmonies delivering lyrics with a bleak look at governments, which leads into the peacefully dream-like No Wonder, as if you're adrift on clouds, but the reflective lyrics hint that they're storm clouds. There is an almost mournful feel to Remote Science, a yearning ballad of homecoming. By contrast, We Be Free is upbeat and happy, with an absolute summer's day of a feel, a bright ray of light and joy. What We've Become makes its presence known in no uncertain terms, a strong, cascading guitar line driving this thoughtful and introspective piece.

Quite unlike any of the previous tracks in its approach, Atonement, at certain points, brought Pink Floyd to mind with its laid-back spaciousness. There's a tasty drum intro to Exit Here, leading into a light-hearted feel that blooms into something earnest and soulful. It's only fitting that a song called Asylum would be brooding and dark, but that haunting atmosphere evolves into a much more hopeful mood. A strong, purposeful energy propels World View as it entreats for greater compassion and understanding, leaving So Be It to then burst forth, airy and sweet, an ode to letting go and living freely. Doubt Benefit amply rounds things off, a soft but solid groove underpinning lyrics encouraging healthy skepticism, a fitting end to this "intimate, personal, and heartfelt" offering from a band of exceptional musical artisans. 

Critical Mass is a powerful and worthy addition to the Beat Rhythm Fashion catalogue, and is available through Failsafe Records.

 

About Beat Rhythm Fashion

Originally formed in the early 80's around Brothers Nino and Dan Birch, writing evocative alternative spacial songs. They released 3 iconic singles including the legendary Turn of the Century single. Then they took a 35 year break before returning in 2019 with the brand new tenterhook album. More music to come.




Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for Beat Rhythm Fashion

Releases

Critical Mass
Year: 2024
Type: Album
Beings Rest, Finally
Year: 2020
Type: Album
Bring Real Freedom Deluxe
Year: 2019
Type: Album

Other Reviews By Peter K Malthus

Vox Capacitor - Album Review: Thirds
08 Jan 2025 // by Peter K Malthus
Thirds is the latest release from Auckland-based Vox Capacitor, "a one man jangly dad rock and indie guitar pop explosion", and is his first full-length album, having previously released two EPs.The first track is Imperfect Storm, which kicks off with a medium-paced beat, a solid rhythm section under tastefully driven guitars, both the melodic lead and the rhythm.
Read More...
Andy Bassett - EP Review: Surface Noise
07 Jan 2025 // by Peter K Malthus
Andy Bassett has just released a new EP, Surface Noise. Originally from the UK, he has been living in the Taranaki area since the late '80s, performing with various bands, covers and originals.
Read More...
Jenni Smith - EP Review: Nightfall
05 Jan 2025 // by Peter K Malthus
Nightfall is the debut EP from Auckland-based Jenni Smith, and smacks of a relative unknown on the cusp of something much bigger. The four songs were written about "things that keep me awake at night", and all have their roots in the emotions surrounding relationships, whether romantic or otherwise.
Read More...
Narcotic Tonsils - Album Review: You'll Get What You're Given
18 Dec 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Now, I'm just going to get this out of the way right at the start: I know these guys, their guitarist Troy is a really good mate of mine, and I used to share a house with their frontman/bassist Andy - in fact, when he first started talking about a new band he wanted to put together, back in 2019. Two years later, Narcotic Tonsils erupted into being, and swiftly became my favourite Christchurch band (apart from the ones I'm in myself, obviously).
Read More...
Damien Binder - EP Review: Heartful
16 Dec 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Damien Binder is now well into his fourth decade of releasing music, and his third as a solo artist. He has an impressive back catalogue to show for it, and his latest EP Heartful sits admirably alongside his previous releases.
Read More...
Gig Review: Otautahi Smoke BBQ Fest @ Hagley Park, Christchurch - 14/12/2024
16 Dec 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
I had a fair amount of trepidation about heading along to Otautahi Smoke BBQ Festival, the temperature was forecast to be 31 degrees, and I'm one of those folk who, as Billy Connolly so eloquently put it, is "so white, I'm pale blue". Luckily, I found a nice shady spot with a great view of the stage, and easy access to the free water station, and with a nice cool breeze blowing through, I didn't have to worry about burning to a crisp.
Read More...
Lavender - EP Review: Types Of Infatuation
29 Nov 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Types Of Infatuation is the name and the theme of the debut EP from Tamaki Makaurau based Lavender, who has been songwriting and performing from a young age, and whose style has developed into a well-crafted blend of indie folk-pop and alt-rock. Lavender has performed at many high profile events over the past few years, and if this EP is anything to go by, looks well set to go on too much bigger things again.
Read More...
Dylan Kay - EP Review: (I Could) Watch You Forever
29 Nov 2024 // by Peter K Malthus
Dylan Kay is a seasoned player, having begun 35 years ago, and having been teaching for the last 25 of them, including setting up what is now Auckland's biggest guitar school, in 2012. Originally from the U.
Read More...
View All Articles By Peter K Malthus

NZ Top 10 Singles

  • APT.
    ROSÉ And Bruno Mars
  • DIE WITH A SMILE
    Lady Gaga And Bruno Mars
  • BIRDS OF A FEATHER
    Billie Eilish
  • TASTE
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • I LOVE YOU, I'M SORRY
    Gracie Abrams
  • ESPRESSO
    Sabrina Carpenter
  • SAILOR SONG
    Gigi Perez
  • LOSE CONTROL
    Teddy Swims
  • A BAR SONG (TIPSY)
    Shaboozey
  • GOOD LUCK, BABE!
    Chappell Roan
View the Full NZ Top 40...
muzic.net.nz Logo
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 ProblemReport A Problem