Modern English at The Teragram Ballroom – Live Review

Modern English, The Teragram Ballroom, Los Angeles, CA., March 13, 2024

Modern English is a legendary post punk/new wave best known for the smash hit single I Melt With You. On tour in support of their just released 1 2 3 4 full lengther and opening for equally iconic Buzzcocks, Modern English returned to the Southland and presented a compelling set of songs from all across their vast and glorious career.

After an opening set from an amazing L.A. based alternative band called The Reflectors, Modern English took to the stage and slammed it out of the venue with a powerhouse rendition of Gathering Dust, one of the very early singles from their 4AD record label days. Immediately after, the band launched into fan favorite Someone’ s Calling from After The Snow, absolutely thrilling the crowd with a track that should have received a whole lot more attention on the airwaves when it was originally released in 1982.

1 2 3 4 is vibrantly solid, and Modern English would perform two selections from their latest sonic manifesto. Long In The Tooth is a wicked observation of growing older in an ever-changing music scene, while Not My Leader is a scathing observation of today’s political landscape – and both songs are super infectious – delivered with a ton of passion by each and every band member. Then it was back to the early catalog of Modern English, where Black House and Swans On Glass showed the audience just how imaginative and cutting edge the band is.

Toward the very end of the set, vocalist Robbie Grey said, “Now we’re going play THAT song!” and then Modern English burst into a rousing rendition of I Melt With You. Even the hardcore punkers there for the Buzzcocks were singing along to this brilliant anthem for the ages.  What a magical moment in the City of Angels it was to see both band and audience come together for such a rapturous grand finale.

Robbie Grey’s vocals sound as tremendous and inspiring as ever, bringing imagination and intrigue to all eras covered within the Modern English repertoire. Also included in the lineup and delivering exhilarating performances are founding member Michael Conroy (bass), Gabriel Sullivan on guitar, and Ric Chandler on drums.

While the set was short, Modern English definitely left an impact on the crowd, reminding us all that outside of the joyous and unforgettable I Melt With You, there is a dazzling world of rich tapestries to be found within their ongoing legacy. Be sure to check out their latest Modern English album 1 2 3 4 – available now via Mesh & Lace Recordings!

(Review by Ken Morton- Photos by Vivian Ortega of So Finch Photography)

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