I remember when GEMS was a woodsy folk act called Birdlips, hailing from my hometown of Charlottesville, Virginia. They made some truly memorable music that's worth checking out, if you can find it. Then, one day, they up and reinvented themselves as GEMS, and while I was hesitant at first, by the time I heard their jaw-dropping uncut version of "Medusa", I was more impressed than ever by what Lindsay Pitts and Clifford Usher do.
Now, after an incredible initial run of an EP and a few singles, GEMS has released "Scars", easily one of their best yet. "Scars" exemplifies the band's ability to write great songs with a rather simple formula. Scintillating guitar notes and a bouncy rhythm suspend Lindsay Pitts' gorgeous voice as she muses on the more painful aspects of love.
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No word on whether a release is in the cards for sometime this year, but a full-length release is past due and would undoubtedly get GEMS some serious recognition. For now, they're on tour with Hundred Waters, dates are below.
Jun. 22 – Dallas, TX – Club Dada*
Jun. 23 – Austin, TX – Red 7*
Jun. 24 – Houston, TX – Fitzgerald’s*
Jun. 25 – New Orleans, LA – One Eyed Jacks*
Jun. 26 – Tallahassee, FL – The Side Bar Theatre*
Jun. 27 – Gainsville, FL – High Dive*
Jun. 28 – Orlando, FL – The Social*
Jun. 30 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre*
Jul. 1 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl*
Jul. 2 – Chapel Hill, NC – Local 506*
Jul. 27 – Denver, CO – Underground Music Showcase
Sept. 5 – Raleigh, NC – Hopscotch Music Festival
* w/ Hundred Waters
GEMS
"Scars"
- Never Age Records
- Medusa EP out now
