One of Chicago's more popular bands has split after 3 albums together.
Formerly: Melodic pop-rock act Shimmer doesn't glamorously sparkle and shine its way into listeners' hearts. Instead, the band's music melodically filters into minds through a perfectly textured combination of guitar and vocals.
"We are all into music so much," says front man Chris Gilmartin. "It's all different types. The combination (of our musical interests) is who Shimmer is."
Shimmer's witty, poignant lyrics boomerang into place only to be punctuated with energetic pop guitars and punchy drums.
Often compared to the Freddy Jones Band, Shimmer has a surprisingly raw kick to their sound. While both share an acoustic element, the guys in Shimmer have taken their brand of rock out back and roughened it up a bit.
Gilmartin, lead guitarist Pat Donahoe and former Shimmer members Brian McDonald (bass) and Aaron Modica (drums) met as students at Western Illinois University in Macomb (McDonald and Modica parted amicably from the band in October 2000). They eventually emerged from playing frat parties to playing with artists such as Kathy Richardson and the Freddy Jones Band.
"We started out as your typical college cover band in '90," says Gilmartin, who splits songwriting duties with Donahoe. "In '94 we switched over to doing our own stuff." After receiving frequent air play in Macomb, Shimmer has successfully adjusted to the Chicago radio market. Rock 103.5 and WCBR have both featured the band's music. Upcoming on-air appearances at both stations are in the works.
In December of 1995, Shimmer released their first single "Regrets." Both college and local stations around Western Illinois University (where the band met) quickly put the title track into daily rotation. When March rolled around, Shimmer, along with Jenn Records, released the fourteen song LP Credo. Credo delivers more of their guitar-driven pop. The lyrics are moody and expressive throughout. The band seems to understand that they don't have to compete with Gilmartin's vocals. Instead they just solidly add to the fun without overwhelming the words.
They have played with Cathy Richardson, Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick, and, yes, even with the Flock of Seagulls. Gilmartin even sang a song with Lotion when they played here in town. Shimmer is currently looking for new players to replace McDonald and Modica.
If you wanna, you can email them at shimmer@interaccess.com
For more information, visit their website: http://www.shimmerlove.com/
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