In the early 20^th century, Edgar Cayce predicted that Atlantis would rise again in 1969.  During this foreseen time frame, the Bimini Road was discovered in the Atlantic Ocean.  I discovered Bimini Rd. at the NorVa on a Saturday night this month, a band that described itself as alternative rock with a "fusion of reggae."  I had seen them before at a previous NorVa appearance about a year ago, and met them this time at the Backstage Café, now known as Kelly's Tavern.  What struck me first about this meeting was how friendly and likeable these guys were!  Adam Watts (drums), Aaron Kuklika (guitar), Tyler Slawson (keyboard), Travis Mansell (guitar), Mike Fischetti (bass/vocals), and their onstage guest, Max Fischetti (percussion), exuded a collective charisma that was magnified on stage.

Bimini Rd., whose first album, "Walkabouts" was released in late November last year, began with Travis and Mike, who in high school set up a "band booth" for a field day activity.  These two had what they called a "freelance" band back then, and have since been joined more recently by Tyler and Adam.  They began as an alternative rock band, noting that with the addition of Aaron came the "white boy reggae."  The music, they say, is a group effort that deals with romance, life experiences, and an overall desire to change the world.  In fact, all of the proceeds from their show that night were to be donated to Haiti relief.  Again, nice guys.

After hearing that a band's influences include the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Sublime, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Eric Clapton, who wouldn't be anxious to hear their sound?  When I walked into the NorVa before Bimini Rd. went on, the standing space of the first floor was already half full and every inch of the rail on the second was taken.  Of course, most of these people were anticipating Badfish, but what I didn't expect was that a good portion of the crowd was here for Bimini Rd.  When they came on the stage, the house lights went down and the crowd gave them a welcome not often allotted to a local band.

The first word that comes to mind when you see Bimini Rd. live is ENERGY.  Front man Mike Fischetti radiated it as he delivered powerful vocals, as did guitarists Travis and Aaron, who were somehow able to jump around the stage and incite the audience while playing complex numbers.  All of them meshed well together and made the already upbeat music fun.  Everyone in my vicinity seemed to know the words, and those who didn't further back were still swaying and waving their arms to the group's contagious rhythm.

The performance left no doubt in my mind that these guys love what they are doing. They are excited about their new album (which can be accessed on iTunes or at cdbaby.com) as well as their upcoming shows.  They tour a lot of college events and venues primarily in Virginia, but occasionally travel to North Carolina, D.C., and New Jersey, so chances are you'll be able to catch a show wherever you are!  I am not what you would call the biggest fan of reggae or rock-reggae.  In fact, I seldom venture much farther than Damian Marley.  But I'm a sucker for happy music with a positive feel and crowds of people that somehow seem to feel like a big family.  If you're a fan of that sort of thing, these guys are worth catching live!

 

By Author: Ashlee Copenhaver

Ashlee covers the Folk and Classic Rock scene.

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