Feature Article by Ben Krieger
If you have never experimented with MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface for the beginners) programming, it may be hard to distinguish between musicians who are pushing themselves within the medium and those who just hit the "really cool" button and use whatever comes out. These days, soft synth plug-ins make it easy to mess around with Pro Tools and a keyboard for 30-minutes and end up sounding kind of like the Buggles. But MIDI is very much like bass guitar: it's easy to sound good, but it's hard to sound great. And the Gritty MIDI Gang is a gas, penning sincere, technoexplosive paeans to love and loss.
"If you print one thing that I say tonight," says synthesist Jeremy Rose, "print that this guy is a f-----g songsmith!!" Done. Rose is referring to vocalist/guitarist Christopher Keyes, who is sitting across the table from us at the Pourhouse in Williamsburg, 3am. Rose's comment really is peripheral in the big picture, though. While the band members obviously have great affection for each others talents, the Gritty MIDI Gang lives up to its name; this is a team effort and everyone has a hand in shaping the way these spastic, bittersweet pop songs are presented to the world. In addition to Keyes and Rose, the GMG's core studio unit includes Jill Cimini and John Miller picking up guitars and/or keyboards as needed. Live, the group is joined by Steve Roessner (drums) and Chris Czerw (bass).
The Gritty Midi Gang
 Valentine's Day /
Leap Day Double EP (2005)
Click to Buy!
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On their first release, Keyes (sounding strikingly like Josh Rouse) takes on the lion's share of the vocal duties, but Cimini is rightfully billed as a singer as well. Sometimes the two duet point-counterpoint style when the lyrics express the thoughts of more than one character. The lavishly-packaged EP (modestly labeled a "demo") consists of two, 3-song discs (musicians take note: yes, 2-disc packaging is expensive, but it looks incredibly cool). " Leap Day" is a highlight, playing like the anti-slacker anthem of the year. "Valentine's Day" establishes itself as the melodic centerpiece and would sit comfortable on many a mix tape. "(Breakup Song)" is a fantastic duet where Keyes and Cimini adorably spit hurtful lines back and forth ("Awwww, look, they're breaking up!"). The intro to "Your Dream" could be a nod to your favorite James Bond title track.
"They drink before they play," says Rose, "and that's their main problem." We're talking over bourbons about some of the bands we saw earlier in the evening, and it is a reminder that while the Gang likes to have as much extracurricular fun as the next band, they take their live performances very seriously (they probably have to...the GMG's catalog is reminiscent of Paul Westerberg's earnest songwriting, but I doubt the Replacements would have been able to operate MIDI controllers as their typical three-sheets-to-the-wind selves).
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Photo by Judith Levitt
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Hailing from Long Island, Keyes and Miller have known each other for years. They met Rose while attending classes and the University of Fredonia, studying under Dave Fridman, who is known for his production work for the Flaming Lips (the band acknowledges the Lips as a key influence). It was here that they honed in their skills navigating Reason and working on songs. Cimini was on board for the EP recording sessions that took place over Labor Day 2004 and Valentine's Day 2005. After a bit of personnel shuffling, the current lineup is ready to hit the road to recognition and--as they express while gazing, longingly, out into the bar lights--hopefully quitting their day jobs along the way (maybe the Gang member working at the bank can help out with this).
A few days before the interview, I have an opportunity to hear some of the raw material for the Gang's next project. Labeled as "rough sketches," sometimes vocal-less and skeletal, these songs and sketches sound more sinister than their predecessors, at times coming across like a geek's "Third/Sister Lovers." Incomplete as they may be, the promise shines through; the Gritty MIDI Gang is baking a gem of a record. Combined with the songs from their current outing, the Gang's catalog promises to be a real treat for Jezebel fans at the Galapagos performance this Saturday, May 20. It is refreshing to hear a truly collaborative outfit setting out to forge new sounds in addition to crafting catchy tunes. Your attendance is strongly encouraged.
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The Gritty Midi Gang Feature Show Slideshow