Jimkata made their presence known with their debut album Burn my Money and the 2010 follow up Ghosts and Killers, both products of progressive rock and the music of the 80s and 90s on this quartet of millennials from the heart of New York State. With graduated song writing and more complicated compositions, their new album Die Digital flows seamlessly from beginning to end, well produced and fantastically frenetic.
“Sweet Glory” begins the album with deep bassy and a sound akin to Disney’s Electrical Parade via chimes played on the sythnethizer, as the band chants Druid-like vocals that set the tone and give you a slight sway from side the side. “Nightshade” accelerates from “Sweet Glory”’s intro, and has an indie/late 80s pop vibe, a remarkably upbeat and dancey track that has high potential when performed live. “Chainstore” pairs neatly with “Nightshade”, however the vocals are ‘less is more’ on this track, letting the music move the song and the lyrics punctuate the rhythm in only the most apt of spots; the synth/drum combo carries you through this menagerie of a song.
“Electronic Stone” is Smashing Pumpkins-esque while “Low Low” takes the album on a mellower turn; think The Jesus and Mary Chain’s “Snakedriver” with an indie twist. The songs turn into a melodic, full band assemblage in the song’s second half, driving the song to unexpected heights. This track is a huge pleasure to listen to.
The title track “Die Digital”, another highlight off a purely enjoyable album has deep bass furrows in between the stanzas, where you can hear the keys speak in retort to lines such as “Cause all the best things seem to surface after the worst times. All the worst things seem to come around after the best times”, a musical conversation between musician and instrument. “LegoLand” has a unique Nintendo-style character banter to open the track and then moves into a groovy bass led jam, with chanted lyrics returning for the perfect outro.
“Girl with the Diamond Tongue”, the darkest track, carries Freidell’s guitar and makes a larger presence on this track, as layers kick in with samples and hints of trance- style electronica. “American Cars”, a bass-heavy sendoff to the album is an anthem ala “Ghosts and Killers”, with great vocals along with drum/bass dynamic and a driving rhythm as all four combine in perfect synchronization, much like a 90s alternative act hitting the mark; instead of a tune for the disaffected generation, this is a choice album of the next generation.
Key Tracks: Nightshade, Low Low, Die Digital, American Cars
Listen to American Cars
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