Portland, Maine-bred electronic outfit Jaw Gems has been steadily converting new fans entrancing experimental breakbeat grooves since their conception in 2009. With an ever-expanding and evolving sound, the group has been lauded by fellow Portland-er Lyle Divinsky of The Motet as “one of the upcoming un-fuck-withables.” Their second studio album, HEATWEAVER, was released to critical acclaim late last year, and the ensuing tour dates and national exposure have since netted them a brand new deal with top beat-music tastemakers Alpha Pup Records in Los Angeles.
Over the years, Jaw Gems has slowly adopted an intricate arsenal of instruments, including drums, bass, and dueling vintage synthesizers, a Roland sp404 and a Juno 106 analog synth, as well as more modern beat-repeating and sample-warping technologies. The versatility of the band’s tools, as well as the varying approaches of their members leads to a highly complex electro-hip-hop flavor on HEATWEAVER.
Jaw Gems Offer Smoking Beats On New Album, “HEATWEAVER” [Review]
Now, along with their new record deal, Jaw Gems is primed to release HEATWEAVER Remixes, a reimagined take on the group’s 2016 album, via Alpha Pup on Friday, October 13th. The original HEATWEAVER‘s warped sonics grooves have a distinctly modern feel, layered with color and soul. HEATWEAVER Remixes will bring Jaw Gems fans both new and old a fresh crop of music, reimagining each of the album’s songs launching an expansive new era for the group. Each of the songs was remixed by a notable collaborator, from Break Science to The Russ Liquid Test to Milo to Brady Watt to T3, one of the founding members of pioneering hip-hop crew Slum Village.
Old friends, new friends, friends from the road – HEATWEAVER Remixes is packed with Jaw Gems’ favorite beatmakers. As drummer DJ Moore explains, “Some of the tracks were remixed by people we’ve known since we were kids and other tracks were done by people we’ve connected with over the past couple years of touring.”
Ahead of HEATWEAVER Remixes‘ official release this Friday, Jaw Gems and Live For Live Music are excited to premiere an exclusive early stream of the new album. You can give it a listen below via the band’s Bandcamp page:
For more information on Jaw Gems’ upcoming projects and tour dates, head to the band’s website. Check out the band’s 2017 tour preview video below:
Jaw Gems HEATWEAVER TOUR 2017 Upcoming Dates:
Oct. 12 – Milwaukee, WI – Miramar Theatre
Oct. 14 – Chicago, IL – Chop Shop *
Oct. 19 – Philadelphia, PA – Milkboy Philly
Oct. 21 – New York, NY -Mercury Lounge
Oct. 25 – Rochester, NY – Funk N Waffles
Oct. 26 – Boston, MA- Thunder Road
Oct. 27 – Worcester, MA – The Palladium**
* w/ Prob Cause
** w/ The DiscoBiscuits
[Cover photo – Nikki Taylor]