‘The Dimes’ are a ten

By JAMES McECHRON

As long as there have been college students, there have been college bands. Not musicians who are in college (if you’re in college, you play an instrument, it is the law), but people who play music that speaks to a more educated crowd. What would any student do without the light, emotional serenades of The Shins?

A Portland act, The Dimes, played March 14 in MHCC’s Vista Dining Center. They would fit right in with well-known bands: Indie-style rock where the guitarists keep their feet off the distortion pedals. They have the dress code down as well: lots of browns, grays, beanie caps and unidentifiable logos on their shirts. Not to mention they are freaking excellent.

The four melancholy 20-something’s who make up the band are: Johnny Clay on vocals, keyboard and guitar; Pierre Kaiser on rhythm guitar; Ryan Johnston on bass and backup vocals; and Jake Rahner on drums. Watching them play is satisfying; you’ll find yourself sitting back in your chair, tapping your foot to the beat and smiling. Their focus on melody and precision rather than speed and aggression is refreshing, and it’s why this sort of music is as popular now as it is. Formed in late 2002 by Clay, who had moved to Portland from Austin, Texas, the band has been gaining respect abroad. They are on a West Coast tour, hitting colleges and clubs in Spokane, Portland, San Diego and Long Beach, to name a few.

And, in true Indie style, they are making a living with their music without a record label. “We have a myspace account and a website,” said Johnston. “We sell our music on iTunes, cdbaby.com, and at our shows.” By cutting out the recording industry, The Dimes can sell their music considerably cheaper than they would through a label like Sony. “Our album is five bucks, which we think is fair for six songs,” said Ryan. “I know how it was being a broke college student.”

And best of all, they are finding an audience. “We find like-minded individuals at colleges,” said Johnston. “It’s the college kids who support us.”

If you’re walking around with a cup of coffee, wondering why the world is so danged angry all the time, then this is a band for you. This is a band for anyone who listens to Ben Kweller or Ben Harper, or even another musician named Ben. Check out www.thedimes.com, or www.myspace.com/thedimes for a sample of their music and show dates. Supporting local music makes you look more educated.