No-one could have predicted the success of The 88, the first album from Minuit (minwee), or how warmly it would be received. Equally no-one could have predicted that the band would return to the live arena a decade after their final fling or consider pressing their debut on vinyl for the first time.

Formed in Nelson in 1997, the trio cut their teeth playing regularly around the South Island’s underground club and festival scene. After a hiatus overseas, they began recording The 88 in 2002 in Ryan’s home studio. The lyrics were influenced by their travels around Europe and Ruth’s time working for the UN in Kosovo and East Timor; the rhythms by UK trip-hop and breakbeat acts like The Prodigy and Portishead.

Signed by Mark Kneebone to his indie label Tardus, their tunes were eagerly picked up by the bNet stations, which then ballooned into high rotates on C4, helped along by Alyx Duncan’s stunning video for Except You. A busy summer playing live every weekend for three months and seemingly universal praise from the music press led to them swiftly gaining gold sales.

Now 22 years later, with live shows looming, the trio have decided to revisit their debut, completing two previously unfinished tracks from the period to add a bonus to this inaugural vinyl release.

“\[Minuit\] sport more hooks than a crochet club” – Grant Smithies (Sunday Star Times)

“A local dance album that has something many others studiously avoid – a sense of personality.” – Russell Baillie (The Herald) \* \* \* \*

“Their high-energy, highly danceable music is different to anything else around. One of the classiest releases of 2003.” – Rip It Up \* \* \* \*

“This is highly original music, unlike anything else coming out of NZ. For once, do believe the hype.” – Nick Gormack (The Press) \* \* \* \* \*

Track List:

SIDE A

1. The Boy with the Aubergine Hair
2. Claire
3. Menace
4. Species II

SIDE B

1. Except You
2. Queen 88
3. Djordj
4. Milk

SIDE C

1. A.M. E.M.
2. Body-shaped Box
3. Nymphs
4. Cautiousness

SIDE D

1. Soviet Airhostess
2. Aires
3. Don’t You Know
4. Jumble

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