Dikembe There's a generations-old saying that's been used as repeatedly as the cyclicality it suggests. "Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it." In the case of Gainesville's Dikembe, that "doom" is far from damning. Dikembe is a band that was founded on the ethos of DIY. Their first release 2011's Chicago Bowls was a tongue-in-cheek, self-released EP that left even the most serious of musicians reeling to match its influence. In the following years, Dikembe teamed up with the lifers at Tiny Engines Records to release their next two LPs, 2012's Broad Shoulders and 2014's Mediumship, with a handful of splits in between. Each release added to a catalogue steeping with progress the bigger it got. Now, in the pinnacle of their career, Dikembe has circled back to their roots, generally speaking. Their latest effort a 7" titled Ledge is one that members Steven Gray, Ryan Willems, David Bell, and Randy Reddell have decided to release themselves. Ledge's 4 songs shows a band that has clearly matured and come into its own, on its own. It is a spontaneous, organic, ethereal bout of indie rock that leaps as far as their decision to release it all on their own dime and conviction. Furthermore, Ledge was recorded by drummer David Bell in his own studio THE PARTY DEN OF SIN SATAN LIVES 666. The process was one that lent itself to the band's organic process. Vocalist/guitarist Steven Gray says that recording Ledge "was natural and quick. We set out to demo an LP, and we were so excited about 4 of the songs that we just wanted people to hear them." Ledge is a snapshot of a band trying new things with the same charm that forged them. Take the swirling, effected, dynamic ups and downs of "Surfed in the Loft," or the almost cabaret-style opening of the EP's lead-off "Worst in the Fury" as an example. The progress is palpable. In terms of history, cyclicality is something that is rarely ever seen as progressive. In terms of Dikembe, though, a return to form is something that is pushing the band's discography and ouvre even further past their peers. From their modest beginnings to their resolute present, Dikembe has a storied past. History will show that it can only lead to a storied future.
Location
Shea Stadium (View)
20 Meadow Street
Brooklyn, NY 11206
United States
