EP Review: “Somebody You Regret” by modernlove.
by Shannon Dutra
Irish indie band modernlove. is back with their second EP, Somebody You Regret. Many of the tracks on this EP, including “Way You Move” and “2gether4ever” were released as singles late last year. The band has packaged those tracks, and more, in this new EP. modernlove. has been carefully taking their influences and going above and beyond to create their own version of nostalgic electro-alt-pop music. Through their previously released tracks and this EP, the band continues to write about the confusion, fun, and heartbreak of the 20-something experience. With this release, modernlove. establish themselves as a band ready and willing write broadly and connect with their fanbase.
“Somebody You Regret”
A slow and moody opening track to the EP. The track is about a relationship that went wrong. It’s also an apology for hurting someone.
“I, I loved you wrong, I'm sorry I never came through / I left a scar with every kiss that I gave you / We fell in hard, but it's better now we just forget / I don't wanna be somebody you regret / I don't wanna be somebody you regret, oh.”
“suaimhneas”
A tender track that opens with a crisp acoustic guitar. The track reflects on losing someone and how we go through life missing them.
“Your sister's a bride / Mother of two / I sang at the wedding / And cried over you / I miss the beach / And walking that way / I wish we could talk / About back in the day.”
It’s refreshing to see bands write tracks about more than just relationships. Death and the loss of friends are part of life, too. modernlove. shows their ability to take their songwriting to the next level. They are not limited to surface-level themes; they are willing and excited to go deeper, and this track is proof of that. This lyricism and vocal delivery are particularly strong on this track, elevating it to a standout on this EP.
“Blue Light”
A fast-paced track about the chaos of internet culture. The highlight of this track is the lyrics. The drums also work overtime to give the track even more infectious energy. “Blue Light” feels built to be sung at the top of your lungs at the next modernlove. show.
“Blue light, fake news and A.I / Online, caught in the web, I can't escape /
Gotta get out alive / (Gotta get out alive) / Take me out for the weekend / Outside, we'll try find some meaning / My love, there's gotta be more to life / (Gotta be more to life)”
“2gether4ever”
Another standout and another intensely catchy upbeat track about love. Love songs can be overdone, but this isn’t. While the lyrics may be a little cliché, it works. Who doesn’t want to be called sweet like cherry lime? This track, particularly the chorus, has an early 2000s quality and brings the listener back to a simpler time. It would work in 2005, and it works now. The guitar on this track is infectious, and the vocals on the outro are perfection.
“Way You Move”
The most radio-friendly track on the EP. This track has a poppy tempo and beat that make it incredibly lively and danceable. This track also showcases the range of the band’s main vocalist, Lally.
modernlove. is Barry Lally (vocals/guitar), Graham Fagan (guitar), Danny Rooney (bass), and Cian McCluskey (drums). The group continues to evolve as a band, and they are only getting stronger with every EP they release.
Top tracks on Somebody You Regret: “suaimhneas” and “2gether4ever”
