banana stand media

LIVE TRACKS!

You Can’t Stop the Sun

GET PICTURES!

Pictures from the ’stand’s own Jott Robertson.

About Modernstate:

The only consistent member is Sam Schauer, but he’s occasionally joined by Jesse Johnson, Davis Hooker, David Fimbres and Jason Begin.

Here’s what Hannah Carlen said about Sam in the Portland Mercury:

"If Modernstate (the twisting, lilting, gorgeous head-trip of Sam Schauer) isn’t already among your favorite Portland artists, just start by thinking of him as Portland’s own Caribou—a rare performer that somehow makes his incredibly dense, arresting, beautiful songs seem airy, almost effortless; easy, but never simple."

Learn more at Modernstate’s MySpace.

How It Went Down:

Modernstate is a challenging group in every sense of the word.  Not only do the sounds require constant attention, but the words sung by Sam Schauer also require carefully inspection.  While the work may not sound like a dramatic progression to some, with a little time the structure and movement of the music should rise to the forefront of the conscious.  Fresh from an extended camping trip, Schauer hadn’t played in days, possibly weeks, before showing up at The Banana Stand.  Perhaps it’s just wishful thinking, but the clear air and wilderness seemed to give Schauer a raw and honest drive.  Modernstate makes you think if you listen properly, and so did his set that night.