The Icestorm
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’.
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.