Mini-Review: Ides of Gemini – ‘Constantinople’
‘Constantinople’
Ides of Gemini
[Neurot Recordings]
The way the two Sera Timms-fronted bands are set up, it’s hard not to compare the dormant (currently writing) Black Math Horseman and this new release from cerebral trio Ides of Gemini. Each share her soothsayer’s vocals that are tempered and resonant and they are most importantly, instantly, recognisably unique.
The similarities don‘t stop there; stripped down compositions with little embellishment, cymbal adverse heavily rhythmic percussion and a plough-like pacing, letting the music dig in thoroughly. Yet where Black Math Horseman are the doomsayers and deerslayers with their more prominent Om-isms and Tool riffs, Ides of Gemini are more perilous, there’s a leaner edge to their stargazing in comparison to the former’s earthenware.
They retain the weight-baring percussive strengths, this time provided by Kelly Johnston, but they don’t vent as regularly, the pacing is still a walk. It is when J. Bennet’s jangling riffs sear with a more blackened tone Constantinople steps up in to a rare gallop that they sound at their most ominous and threatening. ‘Reaping Golden’ heaves a great magnitude of heavy and Sera Timms’ gloomy divinations complement handsomely. It is without doubt that Timms is the centrepiece of this trio. Her bass works well in tandem with the sparse percussion forming a strong rhythm section of which everything relies, BMH and IoG are more rhythm than anything else. Her vocals are achingly beautiful and makes Constantinople stand out as a contender for a few year end lists. The end of the world never sounded so exquisite.
They only have their first EP up on Bandcamp, but it’s a good taster of what makes this record so good.
RED SPAROWES CONFIRMED TO HEADLINE NEW WEIRD AMERICA FESTIVAL, SATURDAY, JULY 2nd.
Respected rock label TEE PEE RECORDS and the LA Record will present the second annual “NEW WEIRD AMERICA” Festival on Saturday, July 2 at the Nomad Gallery (1993 Blake Ave, Los Angeles). Following the success of the 2010 NWA Fest, this year’s installment promises an even “bigger and better celebration of the arts” that will open with a very special group art show titled “Twin Infinities” at the Nomad on Friday, July 1.
On July 1, all eyes will be focused on the “Twin Infinities” art show and festival launch at the Nomad. The event will kick off at 6:30 PM and feature original artwork and photography from such well known artists as Melinda Beck, Ross Farrar (of Ceremony), Tim Kerr, Stephen O’Malley (SUNN O))), etc.), Mike Watt (Iggy and the Stooges, The Minutemen) and many, many more. A “very special musical guest” will also be performing. RSVP via the event’s Facebook event page at this location .
The Soda Shop 