Bimini Rd
Who/What is Bimini Rd you may ask? Bimini Road’s place in history begins with its namesake. In the late 60’s, Dr. J Manson Valentine discovered a since then disputed rock formation off the coast of the island of North Bimini in the Bahamas. Some consider this formation to be a naturally occurring phenomena. Others believe it to be a pathway to the ancient story of Atlantis. Regardless of one’s bel…iefs about Atlantis’ existence and the truth about Bimini Road in the Bahamas, one fact remains true. The band known as Bimini Rd is not a disputed phenomena of existence or talent. As a band, the four members have accomplished something that is rarely achieved in the modern music industry. They have found success while being original and differentiating themselves from other bands. There is a saying that “there is nothing new under the sun.” And, it would be a misstatement to indicate that Bimini Rd doesn’t draw inspiration from musicians of famed past. However, the band has mixed these sounds and concepts together in a bowl to produce their audible artform which we hear before us. Bimini Rd is a modern band for a modern world. This diversity can be witnessed in the bands own cultural roots. Aaron Kuklica, David Ortiz, Mike Fischetti, and Travis Mansell each have unique cultural pasts that cannot be explained by their names or their appearances. However, this is not the greatest testament to the band’s strength. Rather, it is a reflection of the current chapter in history. Emphasis is more importantly placed on their analytical capabilities to process different forms of rock over the decades and create their own blend of a timeless tradition. Traces of classic rock from the 60’s and 70’s can be found within the constructs of Bimini Rd. Artists such as Bob Marley, Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Lynyrd Skynyrd influenced the foundations of the band members’ pasts. In modern times, hints of bands such as Foo Fighters, Guns N’ Roses, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stone Temple Pilots, and Weezer can be found bubbling up to the surface of this music gumbo. To be technical, the band is a conglomeration of blues based classic/southern rock fused with funk, grunge, and reggae rock. While they fit under the description of a hard rock band, this does not confine all of which they are capable of achieving and materializing. Bimini Rd is a band that delivers a refreshing twist on music. This can be experienced in the privacy on one’s own room, while driving, or in the most encompassing and intimate form through a live performance. As for the name, the band’s laborious attitude towards being creative is not disputed as the road in the Bahamas is. Rather, the name reflects the mysticism and charm of an alluring tale of an advanced society and culture. In essence, Bimini Rd as a band is leading the way to a Renaissance or a advancement in the modern realm of music. Behind the scenes in the producer’s room, they are aided by the knowledge and experience of Mark Padgett, bass player of MAE. While things are really just beginning for Bimini Rd, they have mapped out a number of achievements which includes: playing the NorVa at least 3 times or more, opening for Blind Melon at the NorVa, gracing the cover of Splash Magazine, receiving an article in the Virginian-Pilot, and opening for bands such as OPM, Rebelution, and the Expendables. Mysteriously, drawing reminiscence of the obscurity surrounding the topic of Atlantis, the band is unsigned. There is still much to come. An album is underway with much recording having been worked out. The release is expected in 2009. Bimini Rd will share their unique experience which has been largely enjoyed by Hampton Roads with other parts of the United States. Their form of art represents something that all stretches of the globe can sample in due time.