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The Electric Modern – Motives

Posted by Editor

Sometimes, it matters not whether it’s been done before, just that it can be done again and done better. Indie-rock bands are ten-a-penny these days: some an unfortunate by-product of the ‘landfill indie’ movement that heralded the supposed ‘death of guitar music’ – or at the very least its hold over the charts – others, doing the best they can with a crowded playing-field. Then there are some who are genuinely exciting and fresh. That status may mean different things to different people, but on the evidence of their eyebrow-raising new EP, The Electric Modern have got what it takes to stand out from the crowd.

‘Motives’ does not mess about. Three songs are tossed out in less than eleven minutes, and the energy levels are kept high throughout, leaving little room to breathe. The band’s sound utilises synth, guitar, bass and drums, and each of these instruments are allowed to flourish in their turn. A more prominent feature of their sound is driving, powerful basslines, courtesy of Henry Marsden, whose work shines most brightly on the EP’s last track, ‘Too Much to Ignore’.

The band’s anthemic sound draws upon what some would derisively call ‘stadium rock’, but with melodies as strong as this, the quartet, led by the impressive voice of Dean Canty, are able to stick their head above the parapet. ‘Let’s Get Away’ sounds like the love-child of one of M83′s more immediate moments and ‘With Love and Squalor’-era We Are Scientists, with a dash of The Cure thrown in. The vocal hook is simple yet extremely effective, and you might find it hanging around in your head for a while after the song’s done.

The Electric Modern are kind enough not to put all their eggs in one basket, however; the EP’s running time is perfect as, even though the band already sound like they’ve found their feet – ‘Time to Reflect’ is the kind of mature and well thought-out songwriting that marks a step up from the group’s self-titled debut album that was released last year – they’re clearly keeping some things hidden. This EP could well be just the tip of the iceberg; it would seem they’ve got plenty of motive.

Posted by Gareth O’Malley

‘Motives’ is out now, and we’re exclusively streaming the EP below:

The Electric Modern – Motives by altpr