The Breakdown – Modern Lies (2024)
Inspired by humanity from the uplifting joy and hope to the devastating tumultuous despair, The Breakdown makes a bold testament to honesty in a corrupt society. When we left the UK-based indie rock band, the lads explored the complexities of love in a 21st-century world. In ‘This Rigged Machine’ they dove into modern dating, and in ‘All I Know’ they explored the unravelling of romance. Skip ahead a few months, and The Breakdown releases the new single ‘Modern Lies’.
Known for energetic melodies intertwined with profound lyricism, The Breakdown captures audiences from the first chord. Regularly performing at notable venues around London, their confident stage presence ensnares senses with enthusiasm, and they bring this energy to their studio releases. Sauntering into 2024 with ‘Modern Lies’, Mike Connell (vocals), Richard Gale (guitar), Andy Strevens (guitar), Michael McGuiness (bass) and Toby Young (drums) find the line between indie rock, alternative rock and Britpop…then blur it.
Produced by guitarist Andy Strevens, ‘Modern Lies’ is a fascinating juxtaposition of vintage sounds fused with contemporary lyricism. Breathing life into 90s Britpop and indie-rock, pounding drums, searing guitars and a bold bass harmonically weave together. The slips of distortion met by hushed backing vocals hint at the nostalgic Britpop, as does the grittiness of Connell’s vocals. Yet, as the vocals have old-school richness, the execution lies with a modern-day edginess.
Exploring our digital reality, Connell gives a narrative of social media, online identities and the tumultuous flow of confusion simmering beneath. The Breakdown explains:
“’Modern Lies’ delves into the digital age’s façade reflecting on how social media shapes our identities. Crafted with a blend of raw emotion and sharp commentary, it mirrors the dissonance between real and online selves. Drawing from 90s London’s grit and today’s digital gloss, we’ve created a sound that resonates with those feeling lost in the virtual crowd.”
Given the brashness of its “sharp commentary”, ‘Modern Lies’ is a brutally honest declaration of virtual reality without sentimentality. Then again, sincerity can be found as ‘Modern Lies’ elegantly and intimately resonates with audiences who feel lost, confused and isolated in digital reality.
Find out more about The Breakdown on their official website, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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