Irish indie band modernlove. have released their new alt-pop banger ‘Only Ever Only You’ ahead of their debut US Tour in March. modernlove.’s previous single ‘Ruin Your Night’ boosted the Irish alt-rock quartet’s growing fame, adding airplay from Gemma Bradley at BBC Radio 1 Introducing and John Kennedy at Radio X to previous support from Jack Saunders BBC Radio 1.
Boasting a frenetic wall of sound that surges with effervescent synths, bright guitars and pummeling drums ‘Only Ever Only You’ is a vibrant indie, pop-punk track from modernlove. This band are growing their sound superbly while still maintaining the raw indie charm that has always been at the centre of their songs. The lyrics rush with urgency over the bubbling instrumentation while telling the story of realising that “the object of your desire isn’t as infatuated as you are.” The track is an exciting piece of expressive musicianship from the band filled with driving bass lines, pounding rhythms and an irresistible refrain that sparks images of mass sing-alongs at a live show. ‘Only Ever Only You’is simply glorious.
The band commented, “‘Only Ever Only You’ chronicles the breaking down of communication in a relationship. It’s about being in love when it’s too late and trying to communicate with someone who has moved on and simply isn’t there anymore. It’s probably the most sincere and direct we’ve been as a band in a song and the music speaks to that. We’ve taken from our early inspirations and gone straight up pop punk on this track.”
Irish indie band modernlove. have released their new single ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’ along with announcing their UK and US Spring 2023 tours. When modernlove. were formed in 2016, they reacted to the lack of opportunities for live music in their hometown of Drogheda by effectively creating their own scene. By organising packed DIY pub gigs and encouraging other local bands to step out, they provided a creative outlet for themselves as well as a vibrant community for young music obsessives in their area. That ethos of making something from nothing still serves them well to the current day. And now their music is being embraced on a much bigger platform – including support from Jack Saunders at Radio 1 for their recent single ‘Take Me Far Away’.
Saturated in earworm melodies modernlove. present an impressive alternative pop track that is simply a joy to listen to. ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’ is a fine addition to the young band’s musical repertoire. The tune is an exquisite example of their enviable musical prowess. Sonically the song is a musical gem as with all of the band’s tracks to date. Expressive guitar elements immersed in a soundscape of shimmering synths, dynamic rhythms and edgy riffs create an 80’s post-punk-hued soundscape that reveals much to the listener with each subsequent listen. The soundscape is quite poetic and cinematic at times and is complemented by earnest lyrics that hit hard through a smooth nonchalant vocal delivery. These combined musical aspects are a delight to the senses and easily beckon repeat plays from the listener. Once again modernlove. knock it out of the park with ‘Until My Heart Stops Beating’.
About the track modernlove. commented, “until my heart stops beating’ is a song about losing feelings. It chronicles the moments of tension leading up to a breakup. The lyrical narrative of the song explores arrhythmia and cardiac arrest as metaphors for the end of a relationship and invokes that sudden wrenching feeling when something goes terribly wrong. The song is stark, realistic and unromantic. It’s clear that the relationship is beyond hope and beyond saving. The lyricism and sonic composition of the tune are extremely minimalist, almost as if there’s nothing left to say. “
Following a wave of highly-praised singles over the last few months, including ‘Don’t Wanna’, ‘Us’, ‘Follow You’, ‘Islands’ and ‘Familiar’, Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. have now released their eagerly-awaited new EP ‘Oh My Mind’ through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). modernlove. will also be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. Demand for these shows has been so overwhelming, the band have added a new date at London’s Camden Assembly on the 8th November, with their Manchester performance which was upgraded to YES! (Basement) has now sold out.
‘Oh My Mind’ is a fizzing collection of fantastic indie pop songs full of earnest lyrics, heartfelt melodies and invigorating sonic embellishments. This band craft their songs meticulously and the result is exhilarating musicianship. From the effervescent electronics on ‘Island’, elastic bass grooves in ‘Don’t Wanna’, brooding atmospheres in ‘Familiar’ and rush of instrumentation in ‘Us’, each song possesses glorious musical moments that are a joy to listen to again and again.
However, it is ‘Take My Hand’ and title track ‘Oh My Mind’ that steal the show. Boasting fluttering rhythms, shimmering synths and sun-kissed guitar elements these two tracks highlight just how good modernlove. are as artists. The expressive instrumentation and deft production is a delight to listener’s ears and offer a spine-tingling listening experience to indulge in.
Not only do modernlove. deliver on lush dynamic pop backdrops and intoxicating melodies their lyrics are deep and speak of heavy themes; mental health, loneliness and yearning. Well phrased and evocative songwriting is delivered by Barry Lally’s emotive vocal delivery. He pours tenderness and passion over the poetic lyrics and truly brings the subject matter to life.
“She left his room when he lost his balance and She didn’t move back in again when he found it” – Island, “Babe something feels strange drank wine but then you spilt your cup, had a good time but never carpet is stained, it has to be torn up” -’Us’.
Throughout ‘Oh My Mind’ modernlove.’s honesty, vulnerability and deft musical prowess leaves much to be admired. This heartfelt body of work that is filled with spectacular musicianship, keeps modernlove. on the ones to watch list.
Speaking about the new single, they said, “Oh my mind explores the modern day neuroses of young people and the mental health challenges brought upon them by pop culture, the internet and most recently, the coronavirus lockdowns. I think we all went a little mad over lockdown and most of this EP was written in that state of social isolation. Without distraction or release from cycles of negative thought you can begin to spiral to the point of derealisation and being in a constant state of panic. But then we kinda juxtaposed that by a brighter and more playful sonic composition. I think as young people, we tend to joke about our mental health as a way of relating to one another and not feeling so alone in all of it. So it felt natural to write a poppy, upbeat song about such dark themes rather than treating them with a forced solemnity and formality.”
modernlove. will be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. See the dates below
UK
2 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
3 – Manchester – YES! (Basement) ***UPGRADED VENUE / SOLD OUT ***
Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. Have released their new single, ‘Familiar’, taken from the band’s eagerly-awaited upcoming EP ‘Oh My Mind’, which arrives on July 29th through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). modernlove. will also be embarking on their first UK and Ireland tour in November later this year. Demand for these shows has been so overwhelming, the band have added a new date at London’s Camden Assembly on the 8th November, with their Manchester performance now upgraded to YES! (Basement).
‘Familiar’ boasts an intoxicating 80’s-esque soundscape filled with shimmering indie elements, light synths and lush textures. The song broods through thick electronic pulses while delicate guitar embellishments exude ethereal tones. modernlove.’s ability to create emotive melodies is awe-inspiring. ‘Familiar’ is an exquisite example of this. The track beautifully evolves into a musical delight that – with the help of an irresistible groove-laced bass, ventures into funk territory before its euphoric crescendo. Showcasing earnest lyrics, deft musical prowess and a soft falsetto display ‘Familiar’ is an enjoyable indie-pop tune that beckons repeat plays.
Speaking about the new single, the band said, “Familiar is a song about seeing an ex for the first time after breaking up. It’s about seeing them from across a bar with somebody else, having moved on with their life and the feelings that moment can evoke. It also explores the idea that we long for something familiar and comforting when we’re not in a very good place in our lives and that an ex can provide a temporary, albeit unhealthy, escape from that loneliness and anxiety. We wanted to reflect that emotional depth in the sonics as well, this is the closest we’ve come to RnB chords on the keys for example. But also not lose that modernlove. bounce, it’s a pop song at heart.”
modernlove. 2022 UK & Ireland Tour Dates:
November
UK
2 – Birmingham – Hare & Hounds
3 – Manchester – YES! (Basement) ***UPGRADED VENUE***
Irish indie-pop-rockers modernlove. have released their new single, ‘Islands’.The Drogheda band have also announced details of their brand new EP, ‘Oh My Mind’ EP which is set for release on July 29th on Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). It follows the recent announcement of their debut UK and Ireland headline tour which will take place in November this year, including dates at London’s Camden Assembly and Dublin’s Button Factory.
Filled with earnest lyrics, effervescent synths, glittering guitars and slick basslines, ‘Islands’ is an invigorating display of indie pop. modernlove. take a sweet melody laced in melancholic tones and surround it with vibrant soundscapes to create an infectious tune for listeners to enjoy. However, the track deals with heavy subject matter as the lyrics depict the conflicting pressures and aching emotions caused by torn relationships “I don’t know what to say when my brother says is it his? is it hers? are we moving house?”. modernlove. are such an exciting band to listen to. They are masterful storytellers whose powerfully emotive songwriting is encased in upbeat vibrant instrumentation. The result is catchy tunes that pack a punch both lyrically and musically.
About the new single, the band said, “Islands is a classic coming of age story. Trying to cope with the fallout of a family coming apart due to divorce and one’s own romantic relationship coming to an end at the same time. It tells the story of both, blurring them into one at times.
“The song is about the distances between people in their relationships and how for some, it seems too impossible a task to even try to bridge those gaps.
These people are made into “islands” by the oceans they must travel each day to meet and see each other eye to eye.
“The song explores ways people try to deal with this struggle and this loneliness whether it be drink, drugs or sex but in the end it recognises that they are simply in a painful situation that they must accept and let happen as the song ends with the repeated words: “It’s coming apart and I can’t face it, I don’t wanna break down but I can’t take it”.
modernlove. 2022 November UK & Ireland Tour Dates:
Irish indie-rock outfit modernlove. have released their new single ‘Don’t Wanna’ through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura).modernlove. are showcasing a more comfortable, confident sound with each release – the result is riveting tunes that balance gritty indie elements with pop sensibilities and immaculate production. ‘Don’t Wanna’ is a glorious example of this. The song travels along a jaunty backdrop of shimmering synths that pivots around a tight and irresistibly funky bass groove. Each rhythmic pulse and guitar stride is deftly used to deliver a tune that is sleek, expressive and radiates youthful energy. The track beckons repeat plays and is an excellent showcase of the boundless musical talent this four-piece has to offer. Boasting an infectious pop sprinkled melody, velvety vocals and a swaggering 80’s-esque guitar solo; ‘Don’t Wanna’ is a musical delight from modernlove.
Irish indie-rock outfit modernlove. have released their new single ‘Follow You’ through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura). Produced and mixed by Tom Leach (Col3trane, Lewis Capaldi, The Streets) and mastered by Kevin Tuffy (Alfie Templeman, Matt Maltese) the new single is a rousing ode to the anthemic indie bangers of the early 00’s that the boys grew up on. Their debut EP ‘monochrome blue’, released in September 2021, saw modernlove. combine their earliest work into a statement debut offering. Featuring the singles ‘Liquorice’, ‘2 Missed Calls’ and ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’, they received strong playlist support, landing on New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds, Alt-Pop and The Pop List amongst others on Spotify, as well as New Music Daily, New in Alternative and Breaking Alternative on Apple Music. They have also received strong radio support with 2FM, BBC R1, BBC R6, BBC Ulster, XS Manchester, Across the Line, and Radio X.
Filled with sharp guitars and a brisk rhythmic foundation, ‘Follow You’ is an instant shot of adrenaline. In true modernlove. manner the track hurries behind clever, well-crafted lyrics while warm main vocals and lush backing vocals exude a sweet and irresistible charm. The band flesh out their sound with vibrant drums, hook-filled melodies and jaunty guitars that inject a dash of zest throughout. modernlove. are becoming known for their rich tunes and utterly lush production and ‘Follow You’ is a perfect example of this. With a dynamic clap along feature and swirling instrumentation ‘Follow You’ is a catchy banger that evokes images of live crowds bellowing back the lyrics at the top of their lungs. Press play, turn the volume up and enjoy.
Speaking about the new offering, the band said, “‘Follow You’ is a love song about the early stages of infatuation in a relationship. It’s about finding yourself in a relationship so intimate that spending each waking moment together still isn’t enough, hence the lyrics “when you fall asleep I’ll follow you. Musically, we wanted to write a song that resonated with the nostalgia of those same naive infatuations and took us back to when we first started the band as teenagers finding ourselves as people as well as artists. A simple four chord structure that echoed the likes of bloc party, the cure and new order. A song that we could fully jam on together and jump around to.”
Irish indie-rock outfit modernlove. have released their soaring new single ‘Us’ through Akira Records (Phoria, Henry Green, Mt. Wolf, Rosie Carney, Shura).’Us’ follows on from the enormous success of their recently released EP ‘monochrome blue in September this year, which found support across countless tastemakers both here and abroad. Featuring the singles ‘Liquorice’, ‘2 Missed Calls’ and ‘lmk (if you wanna see me)’, they received strong playlist support, landing on New Music Friday UK, Fresh Finds, Alt-Pop and The Pop List amongst others on Spotify, as well as New Music Daily, New in Alternative and Breaking Alternative on Apple Music. They have also received strong radio support with 2FM, BBC R1, BBC R6, BBC Ulster, XS Manchester, Across the Line and Radio X giving them regular airtime and live sessions with BBC Introducing and Seconds Away with Gemma Bradley
With its immense euphoric pop soundscapes and irresistible jangly guitar hooks, ‘Us’ triumphantly continues modernlove.’s run of knock-out tracks. This song is shamelessly catchy. With lofty soundscapes expanding the track’s sonic sound while elevated synths weave sugar-coated melodies between hyper beats, the track offers perhaps the greatest endorphin release you’ll find this year. Barry Larry’s expressive vocal flexes from heartfelt suspended notes to warm velvety croons allowing the relatable vulnerability to creep through the lyrics “love, what have we done to us”. Boasting glittering guitar, rushing rhythms and heart-racing melodies ‘Us’ displays modernlove.’s refined musicianship and sleek instrumental prowess in all its glory. This band just get better with each release.
I sat down to have a chat with Daniel Rooney, Barry Lally, Graham Fagan and Cian McCluskey from modernlove. before their headline show in The Workman’s Dublin. We talked about their new EP ‘monochrome blue’, their upcoming single and much more.
Right underneath The Workman’s Club a charming haven for live music has been created; Workman’s Cellar. With its lounge bar-esque decor, fireplace collection and rustic underground vibe it was here last night an eager buzzing audience witnessed the magic of Drogheda’s indie-pop gems modernlove. supported by the Dublin based groove sensations DeCarteret.
The mesmerising musicians DeCarteretstrolled on stage to rapturous cheers. They took the challenging job of warming up the crowd in their stride. From Bricknasty’s warm vocals and quirky banter to the jazz-toned piano and swagger of Tadhg Griffin between the tight drum and bass interplay of Korey Thomas and Dara Abdurahman their set was a thrill ride from start to finish ( it also included a welcome surprise appearance from the audacious Khakikid ). Aided by the charismatic backing vocals of Becca Daly and Killian Corless, Amelia DeCarteret unleashed the full power of her sensational voice. Her soft croons and rich tone resounded throughout as the band filled the venue with their delightful brand of neo-soul with hints of R&B and pop. It was a whirlwind set that left the audience enamoured by the bands tight and absorbing sound. Looking forward to hearing more from these talented artists.
Enter modernlove. – With the glorious guitar jingle of their infectious track ‘Us’, the band unleashed frenetic energy that had fans dancing in unison. Their irresistible brand of indie-pop filled the venue with fan favourites ‘Bop’ and ‘Liquorice’ evoking deafening deliveries of the chorus from the audience. The quartet have mastered their live presence and stand confident and energetic on stage, each of them engaged in banter with the crowd. Last nights set displayed the versatile sound of the band. They veered into new yet to be released songs (‘Oh My Mind, in particular, is a lush little gem) that provided glimpses into a more funky, electronic sound to come in between the indie-pop sheen of their recently released EP, ‘monochrome blue’.
Immersed in his drumming, Cian McCluskey smiled at the crowd between the rapid ebullient beats he created. It’s his rich drumming that coaxed the crowd’s hips to wiggle and shimmy, while Graham Fagan’s slinky guitar riffs and swift synth adornments embellished the band’s sound in rich luxurious tones. modernlove. paced their set perfectly, subtly moving from energetic tunes (‘2 Missed Calls’) to more chilled songs (‘Famillar’) with ease while tracks such as ‘lmk (if you wanna see me) bridged the gap in between. With sleek guitar poses and deft changes to synths, Danny Rooney provided the all-important suave-filled bass groove that knits the rhythm and earworm melodies together while Barry Lally cooed the catchy lyrics between beckoning sing-alongs. It was a polished passionate performance from the four-piece.
modernlove.’s show in The Workman’s exceeded expectations. The band carried the weight of their treasured songs and fans expectations with poise, dignity and charm. They had the audience eating out of the palm of their hands, enjoying every melody and singing heartily along as if their lives depended on singing the songs as loud and enthusiastically as possible. modernlove. are a band that have limitless talent and ambition. The four-piece display a deep understanding of their craft that many a more seasoned outfit would be envious of. Check out modernlove. live, you won’t be disappointed.
Author: Danu
Indie: (n) an obscure form of rock which you only learn about from someone slightly more hip than yourself.
