They are not the first young band eager to escape the constraints of their provincial hometown for the bright lights of London, but Oxfordshire band Modern Clichés are not to be daunted. With a determination and maturity that belies their youth (average age of group 21), they are ready to take on the UK club scene on their terms. Their new single 'Your Lucky Numbers', released on the 16th of November, a catchy melodic blend of retro-pop and indie rock, is sure to get the crowds on their feet. Think Maximo Park meets classic Arctic Monkeys and you'll get the picture. On the eve of a string of UK club dates including London's PUNK on the 25th of November, the band took a few minutes out to answer some questions.
How would you describe your music?
In what people seem to call the “indie” genre – guitar rock, but a bit fresh...
You are originally from Oxfordshire but have relocated to London. Has that had an effect on your music?
The track we’re working on at the moment is called ‘Euston’. Does that answer the question?
How did you guys meet?
We grew up and went to school together, our parents knew each other. Then instruments started to feature…
Who are your musical heroes and/or influences?
Numerous and widespread: Smokey Robinson, Alex Chilton, Dave Grohl, Burt Bacharach, George Gershwin, Travis Barker, Steve Harris, John Entwhistle, Alex Turner, Dick Dale, Derek Grant, Ray Davies, Brian Jones, John, Paul, George, and Ringo… And loads more!
What do you think of the current state of British music and where do you think you fit in? Who are the bands/singers that you think are making exciting music right now?
British music is very much alive - there are so many really good bands around, and there’s definitely scope for us to get in amongst it. Guitar music has definitely still got its place - and we kind of fit in with that - whilst hopefully giving something a little different too. Saw Vampire Weekend do a really intimate show in London, which was brilliant. Who else? Biffy Clyro, Them Crooked Vultures. Richard Hawley’s new album is superb, and how good is the latest Arctic Monkeys single?
What has the reaction been like to your live shows? What have been the highs and lows?
We got a massive buzz out of packing out our first show in London since moving down last month at Water Rats. We don’t deal in lows - it’s all part of the experience.
What would be your ultimate wish fulfillment as a band? Working with a particular artist or producer, or winning a certain award?
Nothing specific really, just being well known and respected for what we do.
You are all still quite young, has that had an effect on how people treat you? Do they tend to equate youth with lack of experience?
Think our youth works with our sound really. We did get one review that seemed to focus on how young we looked, yet countered it with how much they enjoyed the show, so it was positive really. Guitar bands like us are young, and always have been. Look at those beat groups from the ‘60s, they were like 19, 20, 21 as well.
Where would you like to be in five years time?
Driving round in Cadillacs, wearing cowboy boots, dark glasses, and garish gold chains, and a monkey sat on the shoulder… No, as before, we just want to be well known and respected for what we do.
How would you describe your music?
In what people seem to call the “indie” genre – guitar rock, but a bit fresh...
You are originally from Oxfordshire but have relocated to London. Has that had an effect on your music?
The track we’re working on at the moment is called ‘Euston’. Does that answer the question?
How did you guys meet?
We grew up and went to school together, our parents knew each other. Then instruments started to feature…
Who are your musical heroes and/or influences?
Numerous and widespread: Smokey Robinson, Alex Chilton, Dave Grohl, Burt Bacharach, George Gershwin, Travis Barker, Steve Harris, John Entwhistle, Alex Turner, Dick Dale, Derek Grant, Ray Davies, Brian Jones, John, Paul, George, and Ringo… And loads more!
What do you think of the current state of British music and where do you think you fit in? Who are the bands/singers that you think are making exciting music right now?
British music is very much alive - there are so many really good bands around, and there’s definitely scope for us to get in amongst it. Guitar music has definitely still got its place - and we kind of fit in with that - whilst hopefully giving something a little different too. Saw Vampire Weekend do a really intimate show in London, which was brilliant. Who else? Biffy Clyro, Them Crooked Vultures. Richard Hawley’s new album is superb, and how good is the latest Arctic Monkeys single?
What has the reaction been like to your live shows? What have been the highs and lows?
We got a massive buzz out of packing out our first show in London since moving down last month at Water Rats. We don’t deal in lows - it’s all part of the experience.
What would be your ultimate wish fulfillment as a band? Working with a particular artist or producer, or winning a certain award?
Nothing specific really, just being well known and respected for what we do.
You are all still quite young, has that had an effect on how people treat you? Do they tend to equate youth with lack of experience?
Think our youth works with our sound really. We did get one review that seemed to focus on how young we looked, yet countered it with how much they enjoyed the show, so it was positive really. Guitar bands like us are young, and always have been. Look at those beat groups from the ‘60s, they were like 19, 20, 21 as well.
Where would you like to be in five years time?
Driving round in Cadillacs, wearing cowboy boots, dark glasses, and garish gold chains, and a monkey sat on the shoulder… No, as before, we just want to be well known and respected for what we do.
