Post-punk stalwarts Modern English are gearing up for the release of their latest studio album, “1 2 3 4,” set to be unveiled on February 23, marking their first major release in almost a decade. The album’s second single, “Not My Leader,” is already causing a stir with its powerful lyrics that convey a strong sense of disillusionment and resistance towards deceptive and manipulative political figures, drawing a bold parallel to an otherworldly invader from Mars. This track stands out for its raw intensity and innovative flair, echoing the early “Mesh & Lace” era of Modern English, while also incorporating an energetic punk vibe reminiscent of the Buzzcocks and the Damned.
Frontman Robbie Grey reflects on the band’s long-standing observations of political and corporate corruption, noting the striking similarities between the eras of Thatcher and Reagan and today’s climate with figures like Donald Trump:
“I remember first coming to America in the early-’80s,” Grey says. “We had Margaret Thatcher and you had Ronald Reagan. And then fast forward to today to Donald Trump and all the politicians and corporate organizations that have followed — along with their corruption and greed. It’s the same thing 40 years later, really. It’s the same old shit that makes the ordinary person feel sick.”
The accompanying music video for “Not My Leader” is a must-watch, offering a compelling visual representation of the song’s themes and the band’s artistic vision.
Watch the video below.
In the autumnal serenity of Rhinebeck’s Clubhouse, NY, during the latter part of 2022, the seeds for Modern English’s forthcoming album 1 2 3 4 were sown. Coming off the heels of an energetic tour, the band, in collaboration with the renowned producer Mario J. McNulty — known for his work with legends like David Bowie, Lou Reed, and Nine Inch Nails — began weaving together the new record. Their aim was to bottle the dynamic essence of their stage shows, blending it seamlessly into the fabric of the new album.
1 2 3 4 serves as a vibrant testament to Modern English’s enduring spirit, echoing the raw, post-punk energy of their early days while also paying homage to their pop-driven albums, After the Snow and Ricochet Days. The album delicately balances references to the past, from the fragility of nature to the complexities of love, with an eager exploration of new artistic horizons. In doing so, Modern English not only revisits the fervor that defined their initial sound but also strides boldly forward, embracing new creative realms with open arms.
“It’s been a big journey for everybody, and our early days are really important to us,” says frontman Robbie Grey. “We haven’t changed that much. We’re still the same people inside. And the original members are the sound of the band — Stephen on the keyboards, making lots of noises with all his analogue synths, and then the sounds made by guitarist Gary or bassist Mick. If you take some of those components away, you won’t have the Modern English sound.”
1 2 3 4 is out on February 23rd, 2024
This summer, Modern English is set to grace the Totally Tubular Festival tour, joining a stellar lineup that includes Thomas Dolby, Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Men Without Hats, The Romantics, Bow Wow Wow, Tommy Tutone, and The Plimsouls.
Modern English 2024 Tour Dates
MARCH
- 09 — Mexico City, MX — Foro Puebla *
- 12 — Tucson, AZ — Rialto Theatre *
- 13 — Los Angeles, CA — Teragram Ballroom *
APRIL
- 11 — Dortmund, DE — Musiktheater Piano *
- 12 — Frankfurt, DE — Batschkapp *
- 13 — Berlin, DE — Huxleys *
- 14 — Hamburg, DE — Knust *
- 22 — Copenhagen, DK — Little Vega #
- 24 — Oberhausen, DE — Kulttemple #
- 25 — Hague, NL — Paard #
- 26 — Amsterdam, NL — Paradiso #
- 27 — London UK — Dingwalls #
MAY
- 02 — Paris, FR — Le Petit Bain #
JUNE
- 28 — Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl ^
- 29 — Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theatre ^
- 30 — Oakland, CA – Fox Theatre ^
* — supporting The Buzzcocks
# — headline appearance
^ — Totally Tubular Festival (feat. Thomas Dolby, Thompson Twins’ Tom Bailey, Men Without Hats, The Romantics, Bow Wow Wow, Tommy Tutone, The Plimsouls)
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