If you’re reading this, chances are you consider yourself to at least some extent a fan of underground music. Given that, you might be intrigued to hear about Israeli rockers Modern Tapes. They’re an underground band. No, literally: they formed in a bomb shelter, as well as playing and recording there for nearly a year. Underground.
(Yes, I’ve been super-excited to make this lame joke ever since I first heard about them. You may judge me.)
Being based in Tel Aviv, perhaps this was a sensible precaution. Whatever, the result sounds pretty good. Recorded on vintage equipment, there’s a definite rough-around-the-edges glow to the whole affair. They remind me a lot of the perenially-underrated Dogs – catchy riffs, punchy beats, and an uncannily similar voice. Did Johnny Cooke move to Israel recently? Anybody? I think he may have.
In general, think bass-driven post-punk and you’re in the ballpark, although there’s also a shimmery shoegaze overtone. I can’t put my finger on why, but opening single “Caroline” reminds me of “Retreat” by The Rakes (you can check out the video here – whether that’s the actual bomb shelter I don’t know). I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised by the air of British indie rock given that the track was mixed by Nick Terry of Libertines/Klaxons collaboration.
For health and safety reasons I can’t condone recording in cramped, damp conditions underground. What I can say is that based on the evidence, the results can be impressive. Of course, unless your grandad has an old Anderson in the back garden, or was particularly paranoid during the Cold War, or you’re this guy, chances are you’re experiencing something of a dearth of convenient vacant bomb shelters at the moment. Oh well. I guess this next move in underground music will have to wait.
Anyway, the next single is due in the next couple of months, with an album to follow. That bomb should be dropping within a year (’cause … ’cause they formed in a bomb shelter. See?). In the meantime, go ahead and download the whole EP for free below. Yay, free stuff!
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Modern Tapes – “Stranded”
Modern Tapes – “Can’t Save Myself”
Modern Tapes – “Caroline”
Modern Tapes – “Neon Nights”
