Last night's Modern English show was maybe my favorite night of music so far for 2016.
A few notes:
The Holy Circle are really coming along as a band. I have seen them three times so far and they keep getting better. The addition of a drummer was definitely the spark that they needed. Expert Alterations played a set of only old tunes, as new (touring member only, I believe) band member Kevin is still learning their new tunes. Shadow Age's set varied between uninspired, generic goth rock and decent, almost good post-punk.
(Expert Alterations)
Pleasure Leftists ruled. But if your complaint was the frontwoman only has one dance move, you would probably have the same complaint. I have been a fan for a long time and seeing them live for a second time further cemented their status. My only complaint was their set was only 20 minutes, instead of the allotted 30. The show mostly was running on time, but by the time Pleasure Leftists played, it was running ten minutes behind, so they ended their set early so that Modern English could start at the scheduled 11:30 and have the full 90 minutes to end their set at 1am.
(Pleasure Leftists)
And then it was the main event; Modern English performing their first album, Mesh and Lace, in it's entirety and a few other choice cuts from their 4AD material. First off, I believe that four of the five (everyone except the drummer) were the original members from this time period. They sounded great. I am glad we had a late show in the tour, as their playing was really tight. The half-filled Ottobar was into their music, singing along with most of it. The frontman had some witty banter and was extremely charming. I watched the first 60 minutes from the front, and the last 30 from the back. Their music sounded surprisingly fresh and vital, and I think they captured that youthful energy from their tunes. The encore included a Bowie cover ("Jean Genie") and of course ended with "the song everybody knows", "I Melt with You".
(Modern English)
After the show Modern English signed items for people at the merch table, and took pictures with people. I was able to get a copy of After the Snow signed that Hutch got for me earlier this year for this very purpose, so much thanks to him for grabbing me that. The guys in the band were all nice and I shook the singers hand. I also bought the show poster with all the bands listed, and the Mesh and Lace tour t-shirt.
