Joey Ariemma
Joey Ariemma has ambition. Listening to his music, watching him perform, and reading any interview will tell you that. His three-piece group out of Cleveland, composed of himself, bassist Tommy Kooser and drummer Nick Samson rolled out their debut album this past April entitled Outspoken. A solid rock ‘n roll album, Outspoken is being promoted with heavy touring through Northeast Ohio, most immediately at a show Fri 5/13 at the Grog Shop.
The album itself is ten tracks long. Overall, it is a hard rock album with some overlap into metal, reminiscent of the late ’90s – think Drowning Pool. Heavy guitar with gruff vocals can work as the tag for most songs, although each piece is distinct. Songs have heavy hooks and talented guitar solos. That’s not to say that every song is heavy; “Lights on High” features subtle guitar and gentler harmonies, bringing a different sound and welcomed qualities they could expand on throughout the rest of the album. The sound of their music is very radio rock, but not something you hear a lot of anymore. They’re trying to take music back in that direction, versus the folk/electro sounds that are becoming more prevalent in current releases.
The subject matter never strays far from women. Nearly every song is either directed towards a specific woman or is preaching about women; it sounds like Ariemma doesn’t get turned down very often. “Kerosene” – “I wish I had a righteous heart, instead of claws that tear your world apart,” as well as “Since you’ve been a girl, I’ve been sent out to burn a hole in your world.” “Grenade in the Room” – “If I could take back all that I said to you would I be more alive than dead to you?” The songs are very straightforward, although I had trouble feeling or relating to the emotions in the songs; they’re lacking that candid or window-to-his-mind appeal. The lyrics combined with the delivery of them don’t convince the listeners that it is an actual scenario being played out. Outside of this, each song has a very full sound, surprising to see from a three-piece.
Joey Ariemma guarantees a high energy live performance. The style of music is not something during which you’ll be leaning against the wall or sitting in the back of the venue. This is music that makes you want to move. Check out their live performance on Fri 5/13 at the early show at the Grog Shop (7PM) accompanied by Cleveland friends MyTh and Company. To learn more about Joey Ariemma and hear his music, go to http://www.JoeyAriemma.com.
In a band/know a band/see a band? Email Laurie at ClevelandSoundsATgmail.com!
Laurie Wanninger is a Cleveland convert, having lived in Pittsburgh for 20 years. After attending John Carroll University, she was sold on the city and now lives, works and breathes Cleveland. Spare time is spent DJing Music for Your Laundry List at WJCU 88.7, bicycling, going to local concerts and dreaming of microbrews and National Parks.
Get the free Cool Cleveland iPhone & iPad app, available in the App Store here
[Click here to return to the current issue of Cool Cleveland]