Rhombus

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