Minuit: The Guns EP

Reviewed by REBECCA BARRY

(Herald rating * * *)

Electronic-based trio Minuit took breakbeat into the pop realm with last year's stunning debut album The 88, partly thanks to Ruth Carr's quirky, Beth Gibbons-meets-Bjork voice.

But on this limited edition EP, featuring three new songs, two remixes, two live tracks and four video clips, they sound more like they've become accustomed to playing large outdoor arenas.

Take new track I Hate Guns with its throbbing loops and simple Chicane melodies or The Sum of Us with its spacious dynamics reminiscent of the Chemical Brothers, Orbital or Underworld.

Creeps'n'freaks'n'you (originally Am Em) gets a thrilling drum'n'bass workout from Wellington's Agent Alvin but the ponderous treatment of Except You by British producer Databass barely deviates from the original.

Rounding it off are two average live recordings from the Rippon festival and a Massey University Orientation gig. They're more thrilling in the flesh.

Label: Tardus Music