Modern Day Moonshine
San Francisco, California, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Style: Rock/Soul/ Jam
Rating: 8.6 out of 10
By C.W. Ross
This band is not content to focus in on just one particular style. Their music is more like the United Nations filled with many different styles that include blues, rock, classic rock, jazz, funk, soul, folk, and a jam band element.
Reading some of their material it seems like this band has undergone some changes over the years including experimenting both with the number of members and style of music that they play. The band got started as a duo back in 2004 and their history includes an over two year gig as the house band at the House of Blues in San Diego. The band’s press material also states that they’ve played over 500 gigs since 2004.
The band has released two previous full-length projects, 19 in ‘67 (2006) and Same Old Fight (2008) but this is the group’s first studio project as a trio. The trio is made up of; Todd P. Goodnough (guitar, vocals), David L. Burrows (drums), and Brendan T. McCaskey (bass). Also, unless my mind is playing tricks on me I heard some, keyboard, mandolin, banjo, and even some pedal steel parts that go un-credited.
This self-titled EP gets started with the up-tempo track, “Make Your Mind Up,” that has a progressive rock meets jam band groove found on it. Track-2, “Running out of Time,” has a folk rock sound that reminded me of a James Taylor sound mixed with some Greg Allman, and a dash of Neil Young added in to the mix. I could see this song getting picked up and used by many of the protest groups around today, with its lyrics that have that Woodstock vibe, as they talk about people only worrying about themselves and living large, not carrying about what effect that it might have on others. The song also offers up a couple of anti-war related lines.
Track-3,” Why Am I Walking,” is the longest song on the EP with a running time of 6:17. The song offers up some nice guitar part. Track-4,” Legends,” ends up very strong with some really nice mixed guitar and drum work.
Track-5,” Right the Wrongs,” brings this EP to a nice ending with its folk rock style that from the 3:30 running point of the song turns into an instrumental track.
For being only an EP this release offers up a good amount of music with its 5 songs that have a total running time of just over 25 minutes.
Take a listen to this EP, you won’t be sorry.
- CW for thecdreviewer.com
Modern Day Moonshine – S/T
And now for a trip to a time when music was just, well . . . the stuff that had the power to change the world because we believed in it so damn much! Modern Day Moonshine immediately takes us back to the early 70’s with the fuzzed out rockin’ guitar sound blended seamlessly with the acoustic singer / songwriter vibe of the same time period. Think Doobie Brothers mixed with E.L.O. mixed with James Gang mixed with . . . hell, you get the point. God, this is good rock ‘n roll. Filled with heart wrenching melodies and vocals that both invigorate the spirit and make the soul introspective, and all wrapped around strong compositions, Modern Day Moonshine found the formula that made the Masters of the past what they are. Masters of a great song. But don’t go thinking that these guys are aping or blatantly ripping off the jams of anybody. This five song collection stands on its own merits as music that has power. Power to inspire listeners to bigger and better, greater and greater feats. Yeah, I know. Bold statement, but before you condemn me, listen to the music. I mean, really listen to the music.
“Make Up Your Mind” jumps out the speakers with a funked out bass line and sterling six string action. The vocals have a warmth and soul to them that makes them oh-so-compelling, and they flow perfectly with the groove. You won’t need to pay close attention to the guitar work because it’ll simply smack you over the head with its everlasting flavor. “Running Out of Time” is a the soundtrack to a lazy summer afternoon perched on a rock overlooking a quiet meadow or placid lake. Soulful vocals make the song a little more serious, but enter the dueling acoustic guitar and banjo, and let the light heartedness take control of your two left feet. I simply dare you to listen to a jam like this and not crack a smile. Apparently, these guys are a San Diego outfit and were the house band for The House of Blues in S.D. I’m thinking I need to get out more. - The Ripple Effect
Discography
Independent releases (2006-2009)
19 in '67 - Released May 2006 *OUT OF PRINT*
same old fight - Released January 2008 *OUT OF PRINT*
Self-Titled EP - Released May 2009
Ripple Music (2010- )
Refuge - Due summer 2010
Photos
Bio
"...and that's why you don't get lost in Mexico."
The stories only go on from there. After five years, over 500 gigs (including a two and a half year stint as the house band at the House of Blues San Diego), there are plenty to go around.
What started as a two man band in 2004 has evolved into a trio whose sound is centered on the soul, blues and rock of the late sixties and early seventies. From first listen, the influences of artists such as the Meters, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis and Neil Young are infused into a sound that defines the trio of Goodnough, Burrows and McCaskey. Armed with a catalog of over 100 original tunes, MDM is a throwback to the days of being able to catch a band on consecutive nights without having to hear the same set twice.
Having previously released two full length albums with “19 in ‘67” (2006) and “Same Old Fight” (2008), the group released their first studio effort as a trio in 2009's Self-Titled EP. In early 2010 MDM signed onto their new home, Ripple Music. "Refuge," their debut full length album on Ripple Music will see a June 2010 release.
"Refuge" is further proof that the band refuses to be labeled into just one genre, all the while carrying a sound and voice that is unmistakably their own. Recording on the album started just weeks after the band signed a deal with Ripple Music, and it marked the first sessions since moving up to their new bay area home. The 12 songs give insight to a more fine-tuned and mature MDM, with the northern influeces being heard loud and clear.
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