Now Right Here . Minit
staubgold 53
2004. cd . dl . lp
A long awaited release from Sydney's Minit culminates in a masterpiece collection of spectral drone music.
With their unhierarchical approach to the use of 'found' sound, a fuzzed out electric bass line sits neatly alongside field recordings of atmospheric hum - their individual sound qualities overriding their semiotic value, so that each sound, representing a layer, shimmers and swells within Minit's evolving, sonic habitat.
Now Right Here, the title track as well as the album, is about being caught in the moment. From fragile harmonic and melodic intonations to towering, ecstatic drones and electrical disturbances this album captures a balance betwen noise and harmony, excitation and calmness, distance and intimacy - drawing you into a hypnotic, psychedelic sound-world that belongs uniquely to Minit. Now Right Here is a fragile, immersive and emotional album.
Minit
Minit is Jasmine Guffond and Torben Tilly formed in Sydney in 1997. They use electronic, digital, sampling and mixing technologies to manipulate recorded and "found" sound and to transcend conventional instrumental approaches to musical composition.
Minit's debut full-length cd ‘music’ on the Sigma Editions label in 1999 saw them tour throughout Europe the same year alongside Vladislav Delay, Parmentier and D. Haines. In 2000, they released the ‘cc/bb’ lp on Sigma Editions and toured Europe again with a Sigma staple of artists. Minit have released a 7" on Cologne-based label Tonschacht, and individual works on various compilations including Motion: Movements in Australian Sound on Sydney-based label Preservation.
Guffond and Tilly also collaborate on soundtracks for film and surround sound design projects for gallery and museum-based installation. Previous to Minit, Guffond was a member of improvised ambient electronic duo Hiss who independently released a CD in 1996. She also played bass in the electronic/rock group Alternahunk recording and releasing a CD on the Dual Plover label in 1997. Tilly's musical career began in New Zealand in 1990 with the rock group The Garbage & The Flowers releasing a single on US label Twisted Village in 1991, a full-length album on US label The Now Sound in 1997 and several songs on NZ and UK compilations before Tilly moved to Sydney in 1993 to pursue interests in sound art and installation.