Tufts is doing well with its music talent these days. The latest band to make it into Boston's local indie scene is Timelaps, who will play Pa's Lounge in Somerville tonight at 9:45 p.m.
Timelaps, an acoustic pop-rock jazz trio, consists of sophomores Jeffrey Remis on vocals and rhythm guitar and Mike Derky on keyboard, as well as recent addition Dan Sammartano, a freshman blues guitarist. Drawing from modern rock influences including Dave Matthews Band, Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam as well as classic blues-rock precursors such as Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin and the Beatles, the trio combines poignant lyrics, powerful guitar and keyboard harmonies, and meandering blues riffs in their music.
Tonight's show is the latest in a string of gigs for the band. They recently played at Oxfam's Tsunami benefit, and have participated in Harvard's Battle of the Bands in the past.
Remis is looking forward to the upcoming club performances, as their show tonight at Pa's Lounge with Yellow Brick Ed and Parkview will be followed by a show at the All Asia Caf?© in Central Square on April 3 at 8:00 p.m.
Primary songwriters Remis and Derky finished up work on their first CD, "Premium Blend," during winter break. Comprised of songs written by both musicians, the precocious debut incorporates both the pop-rock influences favored by Remis and the more blues and jazz-indebted harmonies contributed by Derky.
Recorded in January at Crazy Hair Studios, the album features a soft acoustic rock sound. Made up of a collection of songs written by the duo over the last couple of years, the album marries poignant melodies to bittersweet lyrics. In the slightly melancholy "Erase," Remis sings: "If time could erase my thoughts / I'd go back and I'd stand up to you."
Timelaps' music is far from downcast however, as most of the tunes are upbeat and driven, particularly "A Long Way To Heaven," featured on the new Jumbo Audio Project. This song has gotten the most enthusiastic response from audiences so far, and is one of Remis' favorites, boasting some Eric Clapton-inspired guitar parts.
Remis and Derky met as residents of Houston Hall last year. "Some kids were jamming in Mike's room so I went over there, and right away we built up a great relationship," said Remis about their first meeting. A Boston local, Remis was thrilled to meet Derky, originally from Westchester, NY. The duo discovered Sammartano, who Remis describes as a "talented blues guitarist who adds a lot of depth to [the] music," at a Jumbo Audio Project meeting. The trio has yet to find a bassist-all band-less bassists out there should check out Timelaps' demos on the net and make a few phone calls.
