Modern Neutrals – “Beach Theatre”

Modern Neutrals, a five piece alternative rock band from Blackwood, South Wales, have built a reputation for dark, brooding music since forming in 2019. Their independent release is wonderful, a thunderous track titled “Beach Theatre”, shows exactly why they are gaining ground so quickly. It’s one of the best bands that I’ve discovered this year so far.

The band combines a heavy garage rock edge with grunge and post hardcore energy to create something genuinely striking. The track relies on a relentless rhythm that pushes forward alongside wailing guitar lines and an impassioned vocal performance from James Hale. This heavy backdrop supports a focused lyric that deals with difficult modern realities, specifically the rise of political extremism, bad faith actors, and the damage caused by misinformation. The controlled anger in the performance gives the piece a real sense of purpose. It is an intense, loud track that commands your full attention from the very first second.

Looking at the beautiful and colorful artwork, you see a striking collage featuring a man struggling uphill while carrying a house on his back. I absolutely love this release. It is a massive step forward that highlights how much they have matured since their debut EP, “Paradoxes & Agonies“. If you are new to the band, I highly recommend digging into their previous singles like “Blue“, “Ain’t That Something“, and “LXI” to hear how their distinctive sound has evolved over the last few years.

Modern Neutrals are easily one of the most exciting acts coming out of the South Wales scene right now, and they are clearly ready for much bigger stages. Make sure to follow Modern Neutrals on your favorite music platforms and social media channels to stay updated on everything they have coming up in the rest of this year.