The Modern Electric
The Modern Electric
I’d say I’m reviewing Cleveland veterans this week… but that’s not really true. With only one release floating through the musical atmosphere, The Modern Electric got it right the first time. They have the sound of a band that has FOUND their sound. (And you can hear this sound Sat 1/8 @ the Grog Shop.)
Pounding pianos, guitars and the raw vocals of Garret Komyati give The Modern Electric its unique sound. Cracks and coarse spots in the vocals show the heart of the song, expressing any emotion you might have missed in the lyrics. If you were to omit the words of the song “Ghost,” it still would convey a haunting sound and the frustration that the lyrics preach. The transitions in each song, melody changes, harmonies, back-up vocals, and purely knowing when to use and not use their instruments all are done smoothly, giving every song a personality and its own vibe.
It’s obvious from start to finish that this isn’t a band of one; each of the four-piece is talented and knows what he’s doing. Crescendos from their pounding instruments and aching vocals drop off to quiet reflections and modest exasperations. “You were built to break my heart; I was built to be ripped apart.” The songs are well crafted – the instruments are tailored to the vocals and vice versa.
Komyati has a talent for lyrics – they’re not ridden with clichés and on the other side of the spectrum, not laden with metaphors. Honest – at times almost candid – the lyrics don’t strike you as the words of a fictional character, a celebrity, or a stranger – just the words of Garret Komyati. However, some songs could do without the repetition of strands of lyrics, however well-written they might be. There’s the potential for a musical journey, but you sometimes settle for just a jaunt. “David Bowie (Save Us All)” is my example. The lyrics are great, clever, funny – Bowie references all over the place – but a lot of repetition. I love their writing and style, and want to hear more of it.
Moral of the story, here is an indie pop album at your fingertips. It is the work of Clevelanders and a sincere reflection of the Cleveland music scene and its capabilities. The entirety of the album was created in Cleveland, from writing, to production and mastering, to printing.
Turn off your background noise and check them out at MySpace.com/TheModernElectric. This should be enough to prepare you for a FREE performance on Sat 1/8 @ the Grog Shop with more Cleveland love from Afternoon Naps, Mike Uva & the Bad Eyes and Brian Straw. Having seen them live before, I’m going to vouch that you’ll love them.
Laurie Wanninger is a Cleveland convert, having lived in Pittsburgh for 20 years. After attending John Carroll University, she was sold on the city and now lives, works and breathes Cleveland. Spare time is spent DJing Music for Your Laundry List at WJCU 88.7, bicycling, going to local concerts and dreaming of microbrews and National Parks.
One Response to “CD REVIEW: The Modern Electric”
Julie
I absolutely LOVE this band, well-seasoned from such young talent! I first heard them on a local spotlight on 91.3 The Summit in Akron. Hoping I can break away from my life and see them with Fitz & The Tantrum on Jan. 28 at The Grog Shop.