They knocked the socks off Sydney Festival audiences and critics in January, now CODA are moving south to spread their unique musical experience to audiences at the Adelaide Fringe Festival from 25 to 28 February in their show Music for the Eyes.

An uplifting cinematic musical experience that will leave all your senses invigorated, CODA’s performance is enhanced with theatrics, dance and costumes making it one of the most innovative and visually spectacular music acts around.

Described as a soundscape to a fantastical dream, CODA’s music knows no boundaries and is a compelling mix of classical, far-eastern, rock and electronic, performed with mastery by the collective of classically trained musicians. Inspired by artists of eras gone by, CODA dress in quirky headwear and outfits that transport you to that magical place of their music.

Looking forward to taking Music for the Eyes to Adelaide, Nick Wales from CODA says, “The whole performance is our response to the French composer Erik Satie and his artistic ideals and work. Just as Satie collaborated with artists such as Picasso and Marcel Duchamp, our shows evolve from collaboration with our artist friends to develop set-design, costume and make-up.”  

“The CODA collective have created costumes, visuals, new compositions and performance pieces in response to Satie and his dada aesthetics. Some of the music will be very classical, with an opera singer and strings, while other parts of the show will be more of a rock band with burlesque style performances from our CODApendant dancers. A breathtaking ariel performance by Imogen Kelly will accompany a re-enactment of one of Satie’s public speeches.” 

Asked how audiences might expect their sounds to be different since CODA’s 2001 ARIA nominated album There Is a Way to Fly and their 2004 EP For Our Animal Friends, Wales says: “CODA is moving into a more rock, electronic and uplifting sound and away from the world and ethnic influences – although the Arabic and exotic elements will always be a part of our sound. We have also just recorded five new chamber works composed by myself, Naomi Radom and Amanda Cole, a composer friend of ours.”

Since forming in 1994, CODA have created a buzz among music audiences nationally and abroad. From playing at festivals such as the Big Day Out and Woodford, to performing and recording with artists such as Josh Pyke, Gomez, Lior (Autumn Flow), avant-garde group Synergy Percussion and on Toni Collette’s forthcoming album, they are leaving their indelible footprint on the Australian music landscape. Their cinematic performances also make them the ideal accompaniment to fashion shows such as David Jones (‘05 & ‘06) and Akira Isagowa.

CODA is: Nick Wales – viola, electronics; Naomi Radom – violin, melodica; Jared Underwood – drums, electronics; Bree Van Reyk – vibraphone, percussion; Oliver Smith – electric bass; with special guest Jessica O’Donohue – soprano (Young Artist of 2006 with Opera Queensland). Adelaide dance-music lovers who have seen the group Entropic play on their two previous visits will recognize Oli the bassist… although looking past the costume could be tricky!

CODA perform ‘Music for the Eyes’ at the Adelaide Fringe Festival25, 26, 27 & 28 February 2006 at The Umbrella Revolution. Tickets are $18. Bookings can be made at www.adelaidefringe.com.au or on Ph 08 8418 8666.

check out http://www.codaplanet.com