MODERN ENGLISH Interview (Echoplex)

MODERN ENGLISH Interview (Echoplex)

“Modern English As A Second Language” 

We had the pleasure of interviewing Robbie Grey and Mick Conroy of Modern English before their concert at the Echoplex in Los Angeles, California on May 15th, 2016. Amongst various other topics I was pining to ask them about, I was particularly eager to chat about the band’s early years on 4AD (one of my favorite record labels of all time) and their work with iconic sleeve designer Vaughan Oliver of v23. I was also curious to talk about the band’s recent crowd-funded studio recording and to find out about when fans can expect the new album to be released. All of these wishes (and more) were fulfilled during the in-depth conversation with these fine lads.

For those that aren’t familiar with the band’s debut album from 1981 (“Mesh and Lace”), it is a veritable post-punk classic. One of the first albums ever released on 4AD records. A grossly underrated album that stands side by side (or in many cases, surpasses) other popular albums of that era from some bands that you might just be familiar with (Joy Division, The Birthday Party, Bauhaus, etc.). An album that surely inspired young musicians everywhere to pick up an instrument, express their poetic leanings and emote until they could emote no more. If there’s any justice at all in this fleeting thing we call existence, I’d hope that in some parallel universe there are droves of young kids walking around with iconic “Mesh and Lace” shirts rather than the ubiquitous black “Unknown Pleasures” shirt adorning more than a couple fans in the audience!

As the concert began, I (and countless other fans) were privy to a most amazing phenomenon. I love the concept of bands performing an album live, in its entirety, particularly if it’s one featuring  the band’s early work. I’ve been lucky to witness this , amongst others, with the Pixies during their “Doolittle” reunion tour and more recently with the Ocean Blue’s performance of their sophomore release, “Cerulean” (see interview here).  There is something deeply inspiring about seeing an accomplished band come “full circle,” looking back on their young hungry and lean years, as they gazed out at the world with more than a little bit of wide-eyed optimism, motivation and (perhaps at times) even some naivety.  It is in these early recordings that we often get a sense of a band’s creative core, the manner in which they define their identity relative to the larger world around them. Hearing Modern English (with its four original members of Robbie Grey, Mick Conroy, Gary McDowell, Stephen Walker along with drummer Roy Martin who originally toured with the band in 1986) perform their 1981 release “Mesh and Lace” in its entirety was one of those magical experiences I’ll never forget.

Highlights of the evening included…. well, pretty much everything! Whether it was Robbie’s good looks and charismatic stage presence (looking like a thinner and more debonair version of worldly American food critic Anthony Bourdain), Gary’s phenomenal guitar playing (particularly with his masterful guitar pedal wizardry), Mick’s unrelenting strumming of his bass guitar, Stephen’s nimble and stylistic synth and piano work, or Roy’s well-timed thumping of the skins, this band played like a fine-oiled machine throughout the night, not once missing a beat. An added bonus was the band’s surprise performance of David Bowie’s “Jean Genie” during the encore (with Robbie adorning an Aladdin Sane shirt in honor of our recently departed hero).

This was seriously one of the most impressive concerts I’ve ever gone to in all my years. Indescribably amazing stuff. If you have a chance to see Modern English on this tour, run (don’t walk) to your nearest ticket agency (or even scalper) to get a pass for a journey that will undoubtedly take you to places you’ve never been to before.

It should be noted that the event was sponsored by “Part Time Punks”, a weekly DJ event taking place at the Echo for 11 years strong. DJ Michael Stock mentioned how surreal it was witnessing the evening’s festivities, having apparently emailed Robbie a few years ago asking Modern to play their debut album live in Los Angeles. Luckily for Michael (and those in attendance), this dream manifested into reality.

Thank you to Robbie, Mick, Owen, Jocelyn, the staff at the Echoplex and my new friend James (who found my wallet that I had left at the merch booth and returned it to me).

For more information about the band and their upcoming album release, check out: www.modernenglish.me

Jason Reed
Inner Edge Music