London-based three-piece Modern Guilt release their latest EP `We`ll Always Have Vegas` this month, the narrative of this extended play is the euphoric retrospection of an individual after a night on the town (the town in question: Las Vegas).
This five track EP opens with`Talking To Myself` which frontperson Jaz has said is a number about self-awareness “so many people I know have the same situation where the way they perceive themselves is so vastly different to how they are perceived, and I believe it’s important that people know that they’re not alone in having this punitive jury sitting in on everything we are and everything we do.” It`s a reflective rhythmic number with an underlying guitar riff and Rolling Stones / Primal Scream like harmonic “whoo whoos.” We have in `Joy Control` a number that lyrically depicts the frustrations of watching an individual, for a multitude of reasons, choose not to become someone you thought they could be. It has a fairly enticing kind of Velvet`s `I`m Waiting For the Man` vibe throughout.
`I Want To Show You God` is a retro tinged offering and reminded me at times of Bowie`s seventies classic `The Jean Genie` for some reason. When speaking about the track drummer Scott Thompson noted: “It’s two songs in one really; both the narrative of wanting to be wanted, and the complete abandonment of throwing yourself at lust and desire. On one hand it’s a little sitting outside of yourself and watching how these things unfold, but then there’s also a natural spiritual element of connection between two people. It’s like a cult leader writing a book on how to be wanted, and I want to be adored.” There`s so much to enjoy on `How To Buy Happiness` which narrates the story of a man convinced that if he had enough money, he would be happy, and how he chases that belief. There`s all sorts of catchy hooks, riffs and melodies as this number evolves, a delightful earworm of a track.
This release closes out with `Gramophone Remedy` which I read, is an ode to love stories, inspired by the flawless soundtracking of the climactic moments in romantic films and the contrasting less-than-perfect reality of the cliched perfection depicted in so many movies. A slow burn that`s a pretty reflective outpouring where the narrator seems to be looking almost pleading for love.
I have to say I found `We`ll Always Have Vegas` quite enjoyable and it for me offered a small window into what this outfit have to offer with a flavour of a wide cross section of numbers from foot tappers to more reflective introspective outings. A band that I’ll definitely be looking forward to hearing more from.
Rating 8.5 / 10
