Jet LAg Gemini doubles the rock 'n' roll fun

By Kathryn Bergin
Collegian Staff
February 13, 2008

Imagine seeing a no-name band, members’ ages approximately 17 to 19, on stage in a tiny church, spilling their hearts out in song form, playing for an audience that consists of their friends, as well as a small following of fans. This is the simplest version of how local music was in Bergen County, N.J. only a few short years ago; renting out the basement of a church or a tiny hall for six hours, scheduling as many bands as possible and fitting in as much of an audience as the fire codes would allow.

It’s not very often that I’ve seen local bands make it far, but that isn’t the case with Jet Lag Gemini, even though they are just getting started. Almost as far back as three years ago, I can distinctly remember the fantastic live performance they put on, so to see them now with an article about them in Alternative Press, as well as a full-length CD put out recently, is inspiring.

The band is also unique because only one of the members is American-born, Dan DiLiberto (drums). Brothers Vlad (guitar) and Matt Gheorghiu (bass) came to the United States from Romania, approximately seven years ago, while singer/guitarist Misha Safonov came to the U.S. from Russia in 1993. Formed during their high school years, the boys are no longer playing small venues in New Jersey, and it’s apparent from their first full-length album, Fire the Cannons, that Jet Lag Gemini is going places.

“Run This City” is the first song on the album, and it really catches the listener’s ears with a soft, repetitive guitar riff in the beginning, which then explodes open with guitar, drums and vocals. The rock ‘n’ roll guitar riffs and melodic vocals, as well as prominent drum beats, are pleasing to hear. The album continues to be upbeat, headbopping, and toe-tapping until the fifth track.

“Stepping Stone” opens with the same strong instrumentals as previous tracks, but immediately gives off the ballad vibe. Still a powerful song instrumentally and vocally, “Stepping Stone” shows Jet Lag’s ability to back off the rock to let the vocals get the job done.

The album picks up with the next song, “Fit to Be Tied.” Starting off with a metallic guitar riff, the song also boasts perfect drumming. “Fit to Be Tied” also features one of the best guitar solos on the album; what starts off as something simple quickly builds up to a very complex solo.

In “If it Was Up to Me,” the band steps back from its classic rock influences and gives the listener a song with more edge. The track that really stands out on the album, though, is “Every Minute,” which adds a jazzy hook to its intensity.

“Keep This With You” is another example of Jet Lag’s ability to lay off the rocking riffs and just chill. With a simple guitar pattern, Safonov’s voice really comes through on this track. The last track, “Picture Frames,” is the perfect ending for this CD. The intros and outros build up through melodic chords. The intensity of the song allows the lyrics of the song to sink in, giving it the full effect, and is easily my favorite track on the album.

Jet Lag Gemini creates a style consisting of rock ‘n’ roll, pop and alternative, and it does it well. Fire the Cannons really shows Jet Lag Gemini’s talent with a uniquely fresh, polished and mature sound. While this is only the band’s first full-length release, its sound and dedicated work ethic are two things which will propel it forward in the music industry. So make sure to keep an eye on Jet Lag Gemini, because sooner than you know, the band will be shaking things up musically on a grander scale.

bergink1@lasalle.edu