Jerry Gaskill

Item: Come Somewhere
Author: Brian A. Smith

Come Somewhere

(2004)

Reviewed by Brian A. Smith

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Label InsideOut Music AmericaThe Phantom Tollbooth2004

hard rock power pop progressive rock

After twenty plus years of touring with King's X, and watching bandmates Ty Tabor and Doug Pinnick release multiple solo and side project albums, drummer Jerry Gaskill has, at long last, answered the question fans have been asking him for a decade: "When is your solo album going to come out?"

King's X fans are familiar with Gaskill's work as a drummer, his legendary offbeat sense of humor, and the occasional song penned by him on King's X projects ("American Cheese", "Six Broken Soldiers"). Come Somewhere shows some King's X influences, as is to be expected (Ty Tabor produced and plays guitar), but the most obvious nod here is to the Beatles, and '60's psychedelica.

Gaskill makes perfect choices in arranging these songs -- his voice is pure, and clear, but not particularly strong -- he sings melodies without forcing the issue, and doesn't fall into the trap of oversinging that many first time singers will exhibit when stepping away from their bands. "No Love" is a perfect example, where he gets his point across in a very emotional story, yet does so without shouting or straining. Less is more here.

"L.A. Flight" deals with a recurring theme -- relationship trouble: "Do you think I care if you think of me,?" and mentions misery, sadness, and pain. "Faulty Start" speaks of the desire to go off to a new place and start over, but being to enjoy the reality of his situation, since the former is impractical.

"All the Way Home" is Gaskill at his most Beatlesque, with layered harmonies over acoustic guitar, piano, and a quiet drumbeat. "Crazy" shows the most range, with vocals ranging from wistful longing to clenched rage, to resignation. "Walk Alone" might fit best into the King's X catalog, with a similar sound to some of their "Please Come Home Mr. Bulbous" material.

Gaskill lyrics leave some room for interpretation, with poetry that at times ranges from majestic, mystical, Tolkien-like rhythm, to almost nonsensical, "this rhymes so let's use it" Jim Morrison style lines. In all, this rarely detracts from the overall tone, but may produce some periodical head shaking.

Still, though, Come Somewhere is a stirring debut from a performer who has always been underrated as a drummer. It proves that Jerry Gaskill's efforts as a singer and writer should not be ignored -- he does both well, and makes it evident that he is not locked into one style of music--he meanders through friendly pop to hard rock to trippy emo without missing a beat.