London-based rock band Modern Guilt first came to our attention in 2021 through the release of their EP You’re Welcome, and Jane was so taken with their sound, she posed them some questions in an interview.
By Graeme Smith
Feature photo by Keith Duffy
In 2022, we shared their track and video How To Buy Happiness too, but it’s been awhile since we last shared any of their music. I’m pleased to say that’s now changed through the release of their latest EP, We’ll Always Have Vegas.
Since we last checked in on them, they’ve caught the attention of the likes of BBC 6Music’s Steve Lamacq, Radio X’s John Kennedy and BBC Radio 1’s Jess Iszatt, and I’m certain their new EP will get them noticed by even more tastemakers.
Principally, it’s a concept EP, taking place in the titular US city and full of the debauchery for which it’s known. There are dizzy highs, crashing lows, and, as always is the case with Modern Guilt, some striking and unique indie rock.
The story starts with the jangly, driving Talking to Myself. Touches of country and Americana set the scene while poignant lyrics take us on the journey. It’s a track that has you moving as much as it has you stopping to listen intently to its story, and its chorus proves to be an early earworm.
From there Joy Control gives us some throwback psych rock. I Want to Show You God is moody, sultry and bluesy. The aforementioned How to Buy Happiness provides a smouldering highlight before the EP is completed by the simmering and powerfully understated Gramophone Remedy.
We’ll Always Have Vegas was produced by Mikey Buckley. You can get hold of a copy of the EP as a digital download or limited edition CD via Modern Guilt’s Bandcamp page, and can stream it below.
