Nestled within the eclectic landscape of Brooklyn’s music scene, Changing Modes emerges as a quintet poised to defy genre boundaries and captivate audiences with their distinctive fusion of sounds. Led by the visionary prowess of keyboardist/vocalist Wendy Griffiths, this ensemble of five musicians showcases an exceptional blend of talents that transcends conventional labels. While they may skirt the periphery of progressive rock, Changing Modes is a veritable crossover phenomenon with vast potential awaiting discovery by a broader audience.
Although the band has long been crafting their sonic tapestries, it’s only recently that they’ve begun to catch the discerning ear of the prog-rock aficionado. Griffiths, with her kaleidoscopic keyboard compositions, effortlessly navigates a musical landscape that feels like a reverent nod to the psychedelic hues of the 60s and 70s, yet firmly grounded in the contemporary ethos of rock, deftly avoiding any hint of banality.
Backing Griffiths’ enigmatic presence are the rhythmic stalwarts Yuzuru Sadashige on bass and Timur Yusef on drums, whose collective groove ensures that the music never strays into the realm of predictability. Their synchronicity provides a sturdy foundation for the band’s sonic explorations, allowing them to seamlessly traverse diverse musical terrains.
Their latest offering, “Wax World” (2021), serves as a testament to Changing Modes‘ boundary-pushing ethos. This collection of songs is a kaleidoscopic journey through the annals of prog-infused psych rock, drawing inspiration from luminaries like Yes and the Zombies while infusing modern sensibilities reminiscent of the experimental fervor of Faith No More.
Each track on “Wax World” is a testament to the band’s inventive spirit. From the whimsical “Audio Polaroid” to the raw energy of “Solitary,” Changing Modes fearlessly embraces a myriad of influences, effortlessly melding punk aesthetics with psychedelic reveries and new wave nostalgia. The result is a sonic tapestry that defies categorization, inviting listeners on an exhilarating ride through uncharted musical territories.
Indeed, Changing Modes possesses a chameleonic quality, leaping from one radically dissimilar style to another with gusto and guile. Yet, amidst the sonic cacophony, there’s an undeniable tunefulness that permeates every note, anchoring the listener amidst the whirlwind of musical innovation.
With “Wax World,” Changing Modes beckons listeners into a sphere where musical boundaries cease to exist, where classical flourishes coalesce with punk energy, and where playful, clever lyrics draw on the rich tapestry of 80s new wave. It’s an album imbued with a sense of perpetual surprise, ensuring that just when you think you’ve got them figured out, Changing Modes will drop something new and utterly captivating in your path.
With "Wax World," Changing Modes beckons listeners into a sphere where musical boundaries cease to exist, where classical flourishes coalesce with punk energy, and where playful, clever lyrics draw on the rich tapestry of 80s new wave.
