Moai

Moai is a three piece guitar and percussion rock band which excels in powerful, dynamic music and intelligent lyrics exposing heavy issues such as deceit, war, love, loss, and mortality. Moai has a unique ability to connect with the audience on the "life" we all face daily. Moai is expert at building up tension and then releasing it at just the right moment, keeping their fans on the edge, until the last note is finished resonating at the end of a two hour set.
Moai’s dynamic sound has been described by fans as “heavy-hitting” and “thought provoking”, with songs such as Dreamland and Citric Nails. They prove their flexibility with their sad, perceptive and melodic songs Tiny Coffins, Hammer is the Heart and The Witch is Gone. Moai flexes their muscle in Heal the Wound, The Only One and title song Extinction. With influences ranging from Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, The Doors, Led Zeppelin and The Who, one can easily hear the classic, psychedelic rock sound in Moai music. Moai is definitely a modern sound though, having been compared to Seattle’s alternative and grunge bands; because of the explosive angst in the voice and electric guitar of front man Kelsey McDaniel.
McDaniel is a well trained singer with a large vocal range. He's skilled using his warm baritone voice to back up his poetic lyrics. All the lyrics are poems, written by McDaniel or bassist Lance Davidson, and all songs are credited collectively to Moai. The lyrics are intellectually stimulating, and are most often written separate from the music. Often years will pass before a poem is chosen to accompany a new composure.
McDaniel's guitar style is distinctly Moai and has been described as “unpredictable and powerful”. Playing excellent rhythm and lead guitar, the self-taught guitarist produces tense, unplanned tonal solos that can grow with the power of the song. Every live performance is a new experience; you never know what part of his spirit will channel out of his fingertips.
Lance Davidson is a phenomenal, also self-taught bass player. With a unique style, envied by piers, he uses every inch of the fret board and is fearless when it comes to taking risks with his powerful Moai sound. Davidson's wild style is not only inspiring to listen to, he's also a sight to see when he gets into the groove and lets loose on stage at Moai shows.
Dave Orschell plays percussion and keyboards for Moai. He's no ordinary drummer. Trained at a young age to play drums, he is an excellent percussionist, finding his mark with every hit of the cymbals or snap of his sticks. Orschell delights in trying new styles of rhythm, breaking free from tradition and playing some of the most unique and astounding drum tracks ever heard.
Together, Kelsey, Lance and Dave provide relentless rhythm and texture to the stimulating music they've written.
Moai was formed in 1992 by Kelsey McDaniel and bassist Lance Davidson. As students of San Jose State University, the band decided to name themselves after the giant, mysterious statues on Easter Island. Moai performed their two-dozen song catalog in bay area clubs and festivals until 1995 when Moai lost their drummer. The boys went separate ways; McDaniel joined the Air Force and Davidson the work-force. In 2007, newly inspired McDaniel reunited with Davidson and fellow Air Force officer, drummer Dave Orschell. In 2007 they recorded the album, Extinction at Grammy award winning Blue Cat Recording Studios in San Antonio. They made the record in just four studio sessions with the expert help of Joe Trevino, owner of Blue Cat.