MODERN ENGLISH,
SID SIMONS AND THE DARLINGS
A&R MUSIC BAR
COLUMBUS, OHIO | SEPTEMBER 2, 2023
By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications
New
wave rock music of the ‘80s was distinct and memorable, especially when
added to the array of teen rom-com films of the decade; one such song
that remains timeless is Modern English’s hit “I Melt With You” which
was featured in 1983’s Valley Girl. The band performed that and many
other songs last night to a packed A&R Music Bar in Columbus while
cicadas sung in the warm summer air outside.
The live band included two original members making their longevity and presence in such a pub setting quite special. It was somewhat of a nostalgic revival for attendees inside—some in their 40’s and 50’s out on a date night—who sang along, clapped their hands and danced throughout the hour or so set.
The rock band’s setlist focused on their breakthrough 1981 debut Mesh & Lace and follow up record After The Snow, which included performances of: “Carry Me Down,” “Gathering Dust,” “Someone’s Calling,” “Tables Turning” and “Swans On Glass.” They snuck in 2016’s “Moon Beam,” early 80’s hit “Hands Across The Sea” and a brand new song titled “Friends And Lovers” from their upcoming album 1, 2, 3, 4 due out February next year.
Although some of the keyboard and electro parts weren’t live (aside from distorted guitar sounds), the four-piece carried steady energy with smiles and lots of jumping. Tambourine banging, British accent carrying vocalist Robbie Gray made many energetic hand motions throughout.
It’s always a pleasure to travel back in time to a different era, yet still be in the present. After more than forty years Modern English are still doing what they love, and after seeing the band live doing such hasn’t gotten old.
MODERN ENGLISH (click photos to enlarge)
SID SIMONS AND THE DARLINGS (click photos to enlarge)
Comments
Post a Comment