Nine Even
Seamsan Over.

When Jake Modica set out to form the band Nine Even, he wasn’t interested in sticking with the boundaries typically imposed on certain music genres. Defying convention and drawing on influences from across the spectrum of modern rock, Nine Even hits hard with unique songs and arrangements that pay homage to many greats while in the process creating a sound all their own. The word “Seamsan” is Gaelic for hesitation - so after spending over seven years writing and producing, Seamsan Over. seems like a fitting title for the band’s debut release.

In addition to his own work on guitar, keys and programming, Modica has formed a tight group of players that each add their own flavor to the mix. Guitarist Mike Lauchli and drummer Scott Garret hold down the core of the group. A dynamic front man, Chris Chard, has a vocal sound that fuses the nuanced inflection of TOOL’s Maynard Keenan with the passionate power of INCUBUS’ Brandon Boyd. Chard also assists with the keyboards and programming for the record. In terms of composition, the band draws further influence from groups like Tool or SYSTEM OF A DOWN, with complex arrangements, epic buildups and unexpected song forms. Not content to paint themselves into a corner, Nine Even also has an industrial bite in many of their tracks, similar to NINE INCH NAILS, and creative use of sound design similar to RADIOHEAD.

The production style on each track of Seamsan Over. is an individual affair, capturing the eclectic and experimental vision of the band. Many of the songs are decorated with delicious electronic sounds and effects, adding an immense depth and complexity to the in-your-face punch of the band. Songs like “Search” and “SKRape” are full-force musical assaults, but the more mellow tracks such as the psychedelic ballads “Bumblebea” and “Friend of a Friend” show the full spectrum of the band’s dynamism. The group is even able to move seamlessly between the two as in the potent crescendos of “In The Fog” and “Silent Bride.”