We’ll Always Have Vegas, the second EP by alternative-rock band Modern Guilt takes its listeners on a journey of discovery and retrospect of an individual after a night in Vegas. The five tracks create a series of moments that internalizes people and places from our memories. The opening track, “Talking To Myself,” invites its audience to sing and dance through its infectious guitar riffs and hooks. It is when the tempo slows down, it captivates the audience’s attention through storytelling and the false search for happiness. Front man Jaz Dalrymple’s vocal delivery throughout the EP is bold and raw, drawing in listeners through the highs and lows of Vegas. The landscape Modern Guilt pulls its audience into is led through the band’s use of storytelling arcs and immersive production.

Produced by Mikey Buckley, We’ll Always Have Vegas was crafted to compliment the theme of pleasure and the illusion of happiness. Each track on the record reflects the environment and spiritual journey depicted within the lyrics. The result is an indie rock album that sonically fuses a ‘70s groove with a modern twist without sounding dated. Other tracks that include an indie rock fusion production is “Joy Control,” the production helms its sound reminiscent of ‘70s new wave, depicting an individual’s fixation of being hung up on another, waiting for their decision. The track is anthemic through its encouragement in being direct and self-aware. The tracks on the EP compliment the band’s searching for sense of being and freedom through its confident and distinctive musicians.

Modern Guilt, a London based band consists of Jaz Dalrymple (vocals, guitar), Andreas Podda (lead guitars, backing vocals), Scott Thomson (drums, percussion, backing vocals, bass), Glyn Evans (organ, piano) and Dan Williams (bass). Their combined rhythmic guitar melodies and hooks in their sophomore EP, We’ll Always Have Vegas, creates a cohesive record that is sure to immerse its listeners through the record, enticing its audience toward the fixation of happiness and self-discovery. The EP provides listeners with a glimpse of moments and memories taking place in the individual, reminiscing about their time in the city of sin. Some experiences and people they long for and the sense of freedom while immersed within their environment of We’ll Always Have Vegas invokes the illusion of happiness often through its jagged, yet direct lyrics that attain to pleasure and discover a sense of self. The band’s use of combining shifting guitar riffs with a new wave ‘70s feel provides the feeling of freedom and yearning for evolution and structure. The EP presents itself as an emotional journey from start to end. From Jaz’s delusional lyricism on “Talking To Myself,” interpreting an individual in search of a cure for emptiness and loneliness, to the orchestral closer “Gramophone Remedy.”

This EP reflects the longing for a sense of being and freedom by reaching through the depths within ourselves. It illustrates the internalized narratives and stories throughout the five tracks to bring the listener back to the delusional search for happiness the band creates for them. The indie rock sound production of We’ll Always Have Vegas will not only captivate listeners, but lead them into an upcoming band’s evolution in the industry. Modern Guilt’s use of escapism and consumerism in this body of work will entrance listeners into a record that isn’t afraid of stepping out of its comfort zone. The psychedelic tones will appease a new audience willing to experience Modern Guilt’s narrative on the human experience.

Furthermore, We’ll Always Have Vegas is a record that captivates listeners by carefully crafting a series of moments in these five tracks showcasing the fixation and longing for a sense of being in the world. For most listeners, the experience is the band’s reliability through lyricism and sound production of this project. Modern Guilt is a band that combines the desire of pleasure and search of happiness through their empowering vocals, slick production and nostalgia throwback. Any listener with an open mind will be enthralled by this conceptual work that invites them on a journey that is eye opening and introspective. With decent songwriting, slick psychedelic production and a cohesive narrative, Modern Guilt has proven they are a band that is slowly cementing themselves as one of indie rock’s finest acts to date.