Middletown, Ohio, may not seem like a hub for hot, young Rock & Roll bands, but that could all change soon if the quartet Swim has anything to do with it. The band's most recent release, Safe Unless, was recorded in New York City by Ken Lewis of MasterMix, Inc., and is highlighted by the kind of intense vocal workouts and aggressive AltRock sounds that are sure to draw some major label interest.
The group began playing together as Vice when they were 15 and last year they were finalists in Bogart's High School Band Challenge. Though 18, the band's musical talents definitely belie their years. While singer/guitarist Joe Hedges has the kind of voice that is fairly common on Rock radio today, his bellowing, scratching baritone is so booming it's startling. Musically, the band's tightness is also impressive; their youthfulness does not outweigh their sophistication and their melodies are sharp and memorable.
"And Gomorra" is an example of what makes the band stick out from the Creed of the Week bands crowding today's post-Grunge marketplace. A sweeping yet fierce track that features guest vocals and violin from Imani Coppola, the song has epic beauty that is spliced with biting fervor and passion. Elsewhere, T.J. Miller's cello helps the band create a more unique, textural feel.
Though somewhat derivative, Swim is nonetheless talented enough to step it up to the next level and, at just 18 years of age, their future potential burns brightly. You can see for yourself as the band performs this Saturday at the Mad Frog in Corryville.
Rumors, Lies and General Misunderstandings
· The live concert-simulcasting radio show Radio Freakency (on WAIF every Saturday at midnight) is celebrating three years in business this Saturday. The show's anniversary bash is set for the Smoking Monkey Lounge and will feature live music from Leap Skyward, Reason 420, Shattered Sanity and Marvel Bornamen, and proceeds from the event will go to the community-supported radio station.
For complete info on Radio Freakency, including upcoming shows, check the show's Web site (http://home.fuse.net/doc_diablo/radiofreakency.html).
· Another excursion into free, experimental sound is coming to The Southgate House on Saturday. Local sonic terrorists Chalk and Gordy Horn will be joined by the acclaimed That Nothing is Known, which mixes Free Jazz and electronic music and features musicians Jack Wright, Bob Marsh, Michael Zerang and John Berndt.
· Original Dayton Punk legends Toxic Reasons are reuniting, 20 years after forming in the Gem City, for a show at Dayton's Canal Street Tavern on Saturday. The show is a benefit for The Gregg Spence Fund, which was set up when the longtime Dayton musician had to undergo treatment for cancer earlier this year. Opening the show is Real Lulu.
· Cincinnati Pops conductor Erich Kunzel released his 100th album with the Cincinnati Pops and Symphony orchestras on Sept. 28. Kunzel has been declared the most successful Classic Crossover recording artist in Billboard chart history. His 100th release (on Telarc) is Magical Musicals, which features music from recent Disney films.
· Northern Kentucky native Lisa Asher will be returning to the Tristate area this Friday and Saturday for shows at The Cabaret in Over-the-Rhine. Asher, living in New York City for the past nine years, has appeared on The Rosie O'Donnell Show recently and has won several awards for her cabaret-styled piano bar work in Manhattan. Asher plays shows at 8 and 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
· This Saturday is the first annual Vinoklet Arts and Wine Festival at the Vinoklet Winery and Restaurant. While Spill It employees have been known as wine "connoisseurs," this is a local music column, so we'll also inform you that there will be music throughout the day. The event starts at Noon and features violin music until red hot jazzer Mike Wade takes the stage at 3 p.m. Time Traveler takes over at 6 p.m. For more info, call 385-9309.
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