Jimkata – The Cutting Room – New York City

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Jimkata electrified their audience as they jammed on during their official Phish after party on 11.30.2012 at The Cutting Room.  Performing a heavily electronic, instrument based set, the livetronica act provided hints of indie rock with synth-heavy hooks.  The post-Phish audience kept on rocking despite the after party set starting over an hour late, aided by the beautiful venue which provided an amazing sound and light set up in accompaniment to the transcendent rock ballads performed by Jimkata.

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Jimkata stems from the college music scene of Ithaca, NY and has been extensively touring the nation since their self-titled 2007 album release.  Anxious and eager to see them play, I was very happy to find the band incredibly unique in a time where livetronica and electro-rock bands are more then common.  Jimkata’s lead singer Evan Friedell (check out his L4LM Artist Direct Connect here) delivered an energy, which mesmerized me, and perhaps it was the hue from the fog machine, or the post-Phish high, but I found his voice to be soothing and upbeat at the same time.  His voice, in combination with the guitar riffs, gave me an indie rock feel, which blended nicely with the electronic and psychedelic jamming that Jimkata is known for.  Drummer Packy Lunn was mixing music on his laptop while playing the drums, which was thoroughly impressive form of multi-tasking.  The bassist was on synthesizer, alternating between his bass and the synthesizer frequently.  Jimkata chose the time to experiment with their sound well, as the crowd of the Phish after-party absolutely loved what Jimkata was able to provide for them.

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I found that the mix of electronic and digital instruments allowed Jimkata’s sound to be fully experimental in comparison to past performances.  The sound was clearly different from what Jimkata initially sounded like during their East Coast tours and Ithaca shows in the early 2000’s.  However, the experimentation, which the band is currently partaking in, does not take away from their ability to jam, or their love for the roots of rock.  Rather, Jimkata proved during this performance that they are able to mix the two genres of instrumentation together to create a unique and progressive sound.

Jimkata is currently on tour, and will be continuing their 2013 Winter Tour until April.  Dates can be found below.  The band is promoting their new album Die Digital (released September 2012) during this upcoming tour.  Definitely give the album a listen, as it You can listen to the album for free, purchase it and find additional tour information at www.jimkata.com.

by Arya Jha

Jimkata Winter Tour Dates

    • 2.21 – Ames, IA | DG’s Tap House*
    • 2.22 – Iowa City, IA | Iowa City Yacht Club*
    • 2.23 – Chicago, IL | The Abbey Pub
    • 2.24 – Evansville, IL | Lamasco Bar
    • 2.27 – Grand Rapids, MI |Pyramid Scheme w. Arpetrio
    • 2.28 – Kalamazoo, MI | Shakespeare’s w. Arpetrio
    • 3.1 – Lancing, MI –|The Loft w. Arpetrio
    • 3.12 – Boston, MA | Church*
    • 3.13 – Portsmouth, NH | Thirsty Moose*
    • 3.16 – Philadelphia, PA | The Blockley*
    • 3.22 – Killington, VT | Snoe.down*
    • 3.23 – Syracuse, NY | The Westcott Theater*
    • 3.28 – New Hope, PA | Triumph Brewery*
    • 3.29 – Manchester, CT | The Main Pub*
    • 3.30 – Canton, NY | Java Barn @ St. Lawrence University*
    • 4.6 – Ithaca, NY | The Haunt*
    • 4.12 – Richmond, VA | Canal Club*
    • 4.13 – Greenville, NC | Peasants*
    • 4.18 – Miami, FL | Tobacco Road*
    • 4.19 – Boca Raton, FL | Funky Buddha*
    • 4.20 – Dunedin, FL | Dunedin Brewery*
    • 4.23 – West Columbia, SC | New Brookland Tavern*
    • 4.24 – Raleigh, NC | Pour House*
    • 4.25 -Virginia Beach, VA | Doc Taylor’s*
    • 4.26 – Aldie, VA | Domefest*
    • 5.2 – Burlington, VT | Nectar’s*
    • 5.3 -Albany, NY | Red Square*