Lost Adelaide Musical Gem Discovered

Modicom – The Icestorm ??????????? ???????????


Modicom c.1999

Modicom c.1999

1999 Australia. Then Prime Minister John Howard refused to say sorry for the harms caused in the past to the Aboriginal people of Australia; the national cricket team defeated Pakistan to win the world cup; whilst elsewhere in the world some hick from Texas decided he wanted to run for President of the United States.

Meanwhile in Adelaide (approx pop 1.1million) Modicom were putting the finishing touches on what was to be their debut album, and what until now they never thought would see the light of day.

Modicom first appeared in the shifting atmosphere of Adelaide’s music scene in mid-1998, when singer Nathan Korotkov and guitarist Sam Reid from local pop outfit wendyhouse, began a concentrated songwriting effort with cellist and vocalist, Zoe Barry. The three produced a unique sound that was often described as a type of ‘experimental baroque’. Their musical chemistry was immediate and the three began playing regular live shows at local subterranean nightspot, supermild.

Modicom presented an interesting departure from much of the music that was being played in Adelaide at this time, with unique cello arrangements played over Reid’s unorthodox guitar signatures and Korotkov’s commanding baritone. Their songs swept between sounds that were murky and dark in places, but which were carried by a rhythmic undercurrent and a sense of hope.

Modicom expanded to become a five-piece during the recording of The Icestorm in early 1999, but they never released their album before disbanding suddenly at the end of that year when Korotkov and Reid moved interstate to pursue other interests.

Now, for the first time, the Modicom time capsule has been opened. Enjoy. ???????????? ???????????? ???????? ???? ???????? Raise Your Voice release

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