If Shangri-lan Idol were holding auditions, or if the government of this quixotic country were in search of someone to write its national anthem, Changing Modes would be the number one pick for both.

Inspiring the title of the latest album put out by these psychedelic rockers from the Big Apple, Shangri-La (as bookworms out there know) is a fictional place in James Hilton's Lost Horizon. And quite like you might expect the citizens of this utopian metropolis to behave, the unique group of characters in Changing Modes melds wit, culture, talent and history into one beautiful stream of sound.

Started in the early nineties by Wendy Griffiths and Yuzuru Sadashige (both classically trained composers), Changing Modes has perfected style and sound over the years, bringing them to 2008's Down and Out. The band's third album, it incorporates the velvety vocals of pop favorites like Blondie and the intricate technique of musical alchemists like Frank Zappa.

Influences ranging from early composers to new wave newbies can be heard throughout this bewitching, twisting and fun album. Ship sets sail on a boat through time, with a racy vibe reminiscent of Heart's "Crazy On You." Row back a few more years to Blue Light , and you'll find yourself smack-dab in the middle of a '70s disco.

Lead vocalist Camille Atkinson's clear, quirky voice (she's got a noticeable past in acting and cabaret) fits in to each decade and type of rock Changing Mode embodies.

If this is what it's like to be down and out in Shangri-la, I can't imagine how pleasant it must be to live well-off.

Additional Tracks:
Off the Radar
Shangri-la