New Music Thursday: January 27th, 2011

Hey there everybody its time for another installment of New Music Thursday here at Music Reviews by a Musician and for this blog post I would like to review a local Des Moines band. That band is Gimikk.

For some background on Gimikk here is the biography straight off their website:

Gimikk Promo Picture

"For the past six years Gimikk has been rockin' out in Des Moines and the surrounding area, earning its reputation as "The Best Party Band in Des Moines". With their high energy performance and amazing musical skills, topped off by the entertaining and charismatic persona of lead singer, James Brinker, Gimikk is sure to deliver a show unrivaled by any other local act."

To read more of the band's bio click here.

The main reason why I was turned onto this band is through an acquaintance with drummer Josh Tilton. Josh is a student currently at Simpson where i also attend. He turned me onto his band one day as he was looking to promote an upcoming campus show through the college radio station, KSTM FM, where I currently work as music director.

Needless to say I was intrigued and always willing to help out a fellow musician so I invited Josh up for an on-air interview to talk about the show and the band. It was during this interview that I got to hear the band's latest album "Travel My Direction."

This album definitely surprised me. From the album's opening powerhouse track Social! From the East Side, Baby! to the title track "Travel My Direction", there are definitely some great finds on this album. The entire band is well put together in my opinion from the vocals to guitars to drums, everything fits into this sort of 80's rock meets today's rock kind of feel.

Two songs I really dug were "Southern Star" and "Eye of The Cougar". Southern Star is probably considered the ballad of the album and it features great acoustic guitars and percussion infused together with great vocals and melody. I really liked that song from first listen and it is a step away from the powerhouse guitars on much of the album.

"Eye of the Cougar" is definitely a full on power monster of riff rock in my opinion. The synopsis of the song is focusing on a cougar out on the town looking for young guys and it provides for a fun and energetic tune to listen to.

In all this album and band is really interesting. Each member brings his talent to the band and it helps to make a very good local band. I am not sure if they will ever make it big but I think the potential is there to do so. I think the biggest drawback to them in today's music world is that they sound almost a little too 80's in my opinion. I think that is a genre that has really died away among young crowds and as much as I'd love to say it will come back, I don't think it ever will.

If Gimikk can stick true to that influence but modernize itself a little more, I think they have a great shot to take the next step. In the mean time to hear more from this band check out their latest album and if you are not doing anything tomorrow night, they are playing a 21 and over show at Des Moines House of Bricks starting at 9 o'clock. If you can check out this interesting local band.

Until next time keep on rocking away music lovers,

JAS

Photo used from Facebook, all rights are credited to Gimikk

Upcoming Shows You Should Go See in Des Moines

Hey everybody its hump day and I can't wait for the weekend like most people. Going off of yesterday's post I thought it would be wise to post some upcoming shows in Des Moines that people should go see to support their local music and local venues. So here are my top five upcoming shows you should go see.

5)Gimikk- This Friday at the House of Bricks in Des Moines, 9 pm.

Now I haven't had the privilege of seeing these guys live in person yet but I've heard great reviews and if their latest CD "Travel My Direction" is any indication, this is a great local band you cannot miss. Now the show is 21 and over so that may keep some away but in the future if you hear these guys are playing then you should definitely check them out. I know I will.

4)Ryan Bingham- March 6th, Vaudeville Mews, 6 pm.

This show is a little ways off but that should give you plenty of time to set time aside now. Ryan Bingham is one talented artist who has skirted under the radar of many because he is not totally mainstream. But for those who wonder who he is have you scene the movie Crazy Heart that came out last year with Jeff Bridges? Well the hit song Weary Kind was written and performed by Bingham. This is one artist that you have to see for yourself so set aside time on March 6th to go see him.

3)Jonny Lang w/ The Bob Pace Band & MINT- March 25th, 7 Flags Event Center, 8 pm.

This is another show that is on the distant future but sure to be a good one. Tickets are a little high at $30 but you get to see local guitar sensation Bob Pace along with headliner Jonny Lang. Lang is a very great guitar player and musician that many people would love if they have not heard him already. This is one show that fans of guitar would definitely die for.

2)The Nadas 2nd Annual February Des Moines Residency at Vaudeville Mews- Starts February 2nd, 6 pm.

The Nadas will have a month long stay at the Vaudeville Mews starting February 2nd and going every Wednesday until February 23rd. That gives you four chances to see one of Iowa's most well known acts. The Nadas are a very interesting sounding group and the music is truly great to listen to. The shows are all ages and $10 to get in. If you are looking for a treat on a Wednesday night in February then go check out The Nadas, you won't be disappointed.

1)Devon Allman and the Honeytribe at All Play in Des Moines, February 11th at 9 pm.

This band is outstanding featuring the son of Gregg Allman of Allman Borthers fame on guitar and vocals. The band's latest CD Space Age Blues is currently out and is definitely a good listen. This is one artist who I was sad I missed last time he was in Des Moines but not this time. At $10 a ticket you can't go wrong listening to a great blues/rock band like this. Make sure to check them out when they roll through town!

Well that's my top five upcoming shows to go see. Obviously however there are many other great shows and venues to check out in Des Moines so make sure to go out and support your local music scene fellow Iowans.

Until next time keep on rocking away music lovers,
JAS