Members: Graham Palmer (vocals/guitar/piano); Kevin Hamel (drums); Rob Taylor (drums); James Longoria (lead guitar); and John Tevis (bass).
Albums: The Long, All Along (to be released fall 2007 on Corporate Nightmare Records).
Style: Alt indie pop/rock.
Prior Gigs: SOhO, The Wildcat, Muddy Waters, Frog & Peach.
The Skinny: Singer/songwriter Palmer was approached by Zach Madden and Mike Echternacht of Corporate Nightmare Records in 2005 to do a solo album, but came up with a band name too awesome to pass up for a solo career. Kinothek, a music book used in 1920s Germany during screenings of silent films, became a consistent songwriting theme for Palmer as he brought together talented high school friends ready to rock after lazy days working in the Santa Ynez Valley’s wine industry. With songwriting influences ranging from Thom Yorke to Eddie Vedder, the band’s self-described sound is “Ben Folds meets Radiohead with a grunge feel.” Palmer’s songwriting blends his personal experience, social politics, and the environment with a soaring, anthemic pop/rock musicality that’s inspirational but not preachy. Their live shows are loud and fun, and these guys are too talented to miss. See corporatenightmare.com and myspace.com/kinothek.
Next Gig: Friday, August 31, 8 p.m. at Muddy Waters with Cat OK; $3, all ages.