Changing Modes

After twelve months of production work with veteran industry engineer Ted Spencer (David Bowie, Shawn Colvin, Todd Rundgren, Meatloaf, Roberta Flack), the female-fronted New York City art rock band Changing Modes is releasing their third album, containing 10 diverse songs.

“Down and Out in Shangri-la,” a spring-loaded forward-motion album, is like "Led Zeppelin, Dresden Dolls, Porcupine Tree, Stravinsky - all broken up, then re-assembled and painted by Pablo Picasso." Fusing their diverse musical influences, Changing Modes has created something different; something complex, angular, edgy and strangely accessible.

This album features the theatrical voice of Changing Modes’ newest band member, Camille Atkinson. Her powerhouse vocals on Zeppelin-esque tracks like Shangri-la and Ship are reminiscent of Robert Plant and Janis Joplin.

Changing Modes’ versatile rhythm section consists of drummer/vocalist, David Oromaner, and guitarist/bassist, Yuzuru Sadashige. They bring distinguished musicianship, high energy, and finesse to the album’s demanding material.

Wendy Griffiths, the principle songwriter (keyboardist/singer) of the band, concocted the recipes for these addictive and unpredictable tunes. In songs like Blue Tomorrow (inspired by David Lynch's film "Inland Empire"), and Gate/He Walks in Darkness, she skillfully combines unlikely musical ingredients --Rock, Dixieland, Rap, and Classical to create a unique and accessible sound. Her edgy and laser-sharp vocals can be heard on Blue Tomorrow, Someone Anyone, and No Fly Zone.

Although Changing Modes have been compared to many bands --from The B52s to The Dresden Dolls --Down and Out in Shangri-La proves they can stand on their own.