In the electrifying realm of new music, where trends often shift like colourful kaleidoscopic patterns, one band stands out like a beacon of raw authenticity: Modernlove. Hailing from the emerald shores of Drogheda in Ireland, the dynamic quartet has been championing nostalgia and unfiltered passion through their infectious melodies since their formation in 2016. From there on, it’s been a wild ride, as lead singer Barry Lally and guitarist Graham Fagan explore the highs, the lows, and the exhilarating crescendos that define their musical journey as well as the essence of their craft.
Modernlove’s origin story appears as a tapestry woven with threads of destiny and shared passion, as the four childhood friends initially came together through their love of music and less so for business, as singer Lally recalls: “I always sang, but I never really thought anything more about it. But once I met the guys and we started playing music like the bands that we listened to, like Bloc Party or Arctic Monkeys, I learned guitar out of necessity to be able to write the songs that we wanted to.”
And then came the pandemic, which, in a vastness of dread and darkness, also brought along the breakthrough for the band – also because of what their songs were representative of at the time. “I’d say our music sounds like a crazy night out in 2004,”, guitarist Fagan explains, tipping into the hint of nostalgia that makes their records so special. “We write about our experiences of being young, going out, falling in love and doing silly stuff that we regret in the morning. We write soundtracks to that.”
But despite all the fun notes and reckless adventures, the four-piece has found a level of ease in bringing a sense of honesty and vulnerability to their music, as Lally emphasises: “I think when you’re younger, you’re a bit more naive and not as guarded, because you haven’t been through as much shit in your life. But when you’re older and you’ve been through more, it gets harder to be open. The more we’ve written as well as a bound together, the more confident we’ve become to talk about certain things that we would have maybe shied away from a couple of years ago.” Specifically in times of social media and the constant pressure of having to live a perfect life, the young quartet’s willingness to show every side of themselves has been met with great support by their devoted fans. “It can be a bit scary sometimes, writing those more vulnerable songs. But seeing how a crowd relates to them and knowing that the music means something to them makes us feel like we’re not so alone or silly for having those feelings. It allows us to open up and not be afraid.”
However, despite their meteoric rise, Modernlove remains rooted in humility, cherishing every moment shared with their enamoured fanbase – which still is something the group has to get used to, as Lally chuckles: “We’ve made it a point to try and chat to as many people as we can after our shows. But people wanting to talk with you and hear about your life is very strange. We’re just four idiots, you know? If they knew us well, they’d run the other way.”
In a world inundated with fleeting fads, the Irish band stands tall as the next big thing in the glittery world of indie pop. As they continue to carve their path through the musical landscape, one thing is certain: Modernlove’s symphonies will echo through time, serving as anthems for wild hearts and restless souls all around the world.
Written by Laura Weingrill // Photography by Holly Whitaker.