Gizzy Local has a special relationship with psychedelic-groove quintet Subset BC…
Our resident photographer and all round legend Thomas Teutenberg’s photo essay of the band during a show at the Dome Bar was one of the first arts features on Gizzy Local back when we'd just launched in June 2019.
So we are very excited to announce that not only are Subset performing again at the Dome on Saturday 2nd December (their only show of 2023) but that it is in celebration of the release of their long awaited debut album the previous day!
Known for their unique sound (ever seen a band with three bass players?) solid beats, moody danceable grooves and mind bending visuals, Subset have put on a number of memorable events over the years and become a much loved part of the Gisborne scene.
Finding their sound through continuous experimentation, the band formed in 2016 from a bass players practice group, known as Bass Club, hosted at the studio of drummer Lincoln Wright. One of the group’s three bassists Charles Barrie recalls “in those early days we would do things like draw cards to suggest musical ideas, or play rhythmic or melodic games to spark creativity… exploring the potential of different tones and effects was always a big part of it too.”
Following nearly a year of creative exploration, bass players Charles, Paulus Mckinnon and Ryan Raggett along with Lincoln Wright on drums, and the addition of keyboard/synth player Matt Tong, realised that the tones and grooves they could create with three basses, a plethora of effects, drums and keys was an exciting and original sound - the sound they call Subset BC. A sound which has now for the first time been captured on wax (and digital files too of course).
The songs and soundscapes of Subset BC, whether live or recorded, cover terrain from soulful grooves and psychedelia to moody drum and bass and stoner rock and as Gizzy Local can attest, their shows always get the dancefloor pumping.
Joining them for the album release show are two special Gisborne born, but no longer resident guests. International acclaimed digital artist Johnson Witehira will be providing his original visuals to accompany Subset’s performance, and the band will be supported by Sydney based DJ Olluss (brother of drummer Lincoln Wright).
As for the album, it was recorded live in July 2022 (the Bass Club Anniversary month) in Raggett’s Rimu Room studio with support from engineer Simon Mallett. Written, produced and arranged by the band, mixed by Matt Tong and mastered for both digital and vinyl releases by Subvert Mastering UK’s Bobb Macc, the album presents a largely instrumental and layered multidimensional sound journey and also includes a special tribute to Gisborne musician Duncan Munro in a cover of song ‘Jubes’ by his band Bantam, of which Wright and McKinnon were members.
Available in a limited edition run of 150 180gm vinyl records with original artwork/design by Mckinnon and innersleeve images by Raggett, or in digital format via Band Camp from December 1st 2023 - with preorders available now - subsetbc.bandcamp.com/album/subset-bc
However, If you’re a Gisborne resident, the band suggest you send them an email at subsetbc@gmail.com to reserve your album and you can pick it up at the show to save on the shipping costs.
Tickets for the Album Release party gig at the Dome are available from Under the Radar https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/gig/87191/Subset-BC---Debut-Album-Release.utr, with limited door sales available on the night (maybe…).
See you there on December 2nd!
Subset BC Album Release Party
With Johnson Witehira and DJ Olluss
Saturday 2nd December - Dome Bar - 8pm
Photograph by John Flatt
Poster design by Paulus McKinnon