If there’s something that Modern English knows best, it’s that some things are just too good to let go of forever. The group hadn’t played music together in over 20 years (their last record Pillow Lips was released in 1990), but in 2010 all of that changed. They got the original band back together (who were once called The Lepers before they went by the title Modern English) and they started writing music again. That reunion album was released in 2010 called Soundtrack.
It’s songs like “Melt With You” and “Hands Across the Sea” that Modern English became super famous for–two poppy tracks that you basically hear everywhere these days–but their discography doesn’t get stuck in that bubble. Their earlier sound is more pop-punk with an 80s electronica twist (influenced by David Bowie, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop) and is also laced with a sophisticated yet catchy dark English charm–a sound that, fast-forward to 2017 with their record Take Me to the Trees, continues to make this British ensemble so endearing.
Modern English is back on tour (including SXSW)–a tour that will bring together old fans and new, especially with tracks from their new album like “Trees” and “Come Out of Your Hole,” which are surprisingly modern and relevant.
Rough Trade
4/14
9 p.m.
$20
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