| CD REVIEW GEM |
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Band : GEM Although this Utrecht-based Dutch band is a full-fledged band on stage, when it comes to the songwriting GEM is singer Maurits Westerik (formerly of Mint), and Maurits Westerik is GEM. The band came into existence in 2003, when Westerik joined guitarist Bas de Graaff and bassist Vincent Lemmen (son of Tumbleweeds guitarist Gijs Lemmen). Inspired by American and British singer-songwriter guitar bands, and with Simon Bonner as second guitarist, the band records its first demo that same year. Meanwhile they've released a total of 4 studio albums and a collection box : 2004's Tell Me What's New, which saw the band play throughout Holland, but also through Germany...and the German adventures were the inspiration for second album, 2006's Escapades...Third album NEW (2008) was the introduction of the band's new line-up, a successful album with no less than 4 singles...in 2009 the first 3 albums are re-issued as the GEM United collection box, which includes a 4th album with b-sides, acoustic versions, and the previously unreleased song “Rats”...and the new album, about which more later. Following GEM United, the band again played the Dutch club circuit, and presented itself at many festivals, including Lowlands and Oerol. The band supports Kane on their gigs in Holland and Belgium, supports Krezip on its two farewell shows at Heineken Music Hall, and then gets two nominations at the 3FM Awards (in the Categories Best Rock and Best Alternative). About the new album...its title was there before the music, and the theme also permeates each and every song on the album. Songs are either about live in the city, or in the country because Westerik has found he can find inspiration in both places), and how one will long for the other while being in the one...and occasionally long for places one doesn't know yet (because maybe that's where Westerik will find the inspiration to write that perfect song he's in search of with each writing session)! Although he wrote the material of the new album on his guitar (and not with a whole band as before) Westerik recorded the new album with a host of guest musicians he counts as part of his circle of friends. And in that process the groove and rhythm of the music were equally as important as the harmonies...and things also had to swing! In a couple of songs he gave an important role to an added horn section (check album opener “Moving On”, “Easy To Review”, “Better Heart Of Mine”, “In The City”), which is a completely new thing for GEM. Some songs also contain very moody passages on the piano and/ or organ, and that's why GEM will be touring in promotion for this album with a 6-headed band (allowing him to concentrate on his vocals), adding a horn section to some chosen locations. I regret to say none of the songs lingered in my mind after the first listening session...because the album is so darn good overall! It's also a very varied album, with songs written in three modes: first of all the pure guitar tracks, then the ones with added keyboards (be they piano or organ), and then the ones with the horns, and this turns Hunters Go Hungry into one of those albums filled with niceties one discovers only after several listening sessions. Well, where to find music off the album on the Net? I'm afraid that when I checked the band's (www.) myspace.com/gemmusic, I only found older material, but at (www.) excelsior-recordings.com I found a link to SoundCloud.com, where a full-length version of the very fine “Call Me Down To Ohio” is posted (possibly there's more...I'm afraid I didn't check due to lack of time). Of course there's always the 30-second samples found at your trusted online sales sites (Amazon, iTunes...you name it). Check it out! 88/100 Tony. |