Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Label: Independent
Tracks: 9
Released: 2003
For Fans Of:: Terence Trent D'Arby, Ben Harper
Fav Track: Moments, Am A Man, Rise Up.
If I was to have a house party with an 'island vibe' theme, I think these guys would be my musical guests.
The music, a nice mixture of reggae, hip-hop, and rock, fits well with frontman Shawn San Nicholas's voice and positive message. In fact, they drift from one style to another very easily and mix them all together well. Some very solid playing by Nicholas (guitar), Cody Tucker (lead guitar), Brandon Breazeale (bass) and Scotis Dunshee (drums) back up the versatile vocals, which range from silky-smooth to rough and ready to take on the world. I'd like to hear more of what Shawn can do with his stylings and with what he has to say as the band's lyricist.
The mix is very warm and fuzzy, suiting the band and their message perfectly. The music and vocals blend well, and I can imagine them sounding very similar live to how they do on this disc.
Lyrically, the tone of the CD is a positive message of personal power and responsibility, something we're hearing more of these days and which is always welcome with this reviewer.
I expect this group will continue to have fun bringing their music to the public, and look forward to more as they continue to develop their already unique sound.
By Steve Allat, 01/20/04
- The Muse's Review
Discography
Self Arise, 2003. Track list includes: Self Arise, Island Vibe, Moments, Am a Man, Rise Up, To Love Me, Langet, Be My Lady, and Killing Me.
Dark Melody DVD, 2003. Be My Lady, Moments, and Self Arise were featured.
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
A blend of island vibe, a bit of hip-hop, a drop of funk, a slice of rock, and an endless supply of fun. The Modalities are based in the North Bay and perform regularly at local coffee shops, restaurants, and bars in the area. They appeal to many age groups and audiences diverse in culture.
Frontman Singer Shawn San Nicholas from Guam weaves in a bit of island vibe into this eclectic mix of beats. Many of the other band members take the mic during live shows and the band often invites other local artists to step up during jam songs.
Each year the Modalities perform at the "Under the Sun" summer concert Series. Under the Sun is an event of original music and an exhibition of the arts. For 2005, Under the Sun will take place June 25th at the People's Park in Berkeley, California.
Recently, the Modalities were selected by Circle of Seven Productions to perform in one of their book trailer commercials. The trailer was based on Dark Melody, a novel by New York Times Best-selling author Christine Feehan. The book trailer DVD featured three Modalities songs and their Self Arise music video.
In the year 2003 the Modalities recorded their first album Self Arise. The album was recorded at Prairie Sun Recording Studio in Cotati, CA and features nine songs. It has done well selling locally and via CDBABY.COM. Three songs are offered to visitors for free download from their website.
The Modalities are currently working on new material for their next album and are performing for the summer crowds.
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