Modernboys Moderngirls Take It, Leave It And Break It On Debut Record

“So what are some of your favourite bands?”

Akira Alemany asks the question he should probably be answering.

After all, he and his group – Modernboys Moderngirls – are about to release their debut album, I Might As Well Break It, which is why they’re gathered around a table at Sneaky Dee’s for what’s supposed to be an interview.

Instead though, the trio, which also includes bassist Juan Carlos Rivas and drummer Brett Millius, enthusiastically swig beer and loudly debate random topics like the city’s least offensive brunch spots and which member of The Doors was most valuable.

It’s all part of the group’s aloof, youth-infused approach to what they call “soul punk” a rough amalgam of aspects from both genres that doesn’t really sound like core versions either.

In truth, this is indie rock at its most straightforward, though that’s not necessarily an indictment.

After all, the band’s upcoming release is a reworked, reproduced version of a previous 10-song effort slapped together after multiple festival invites in 2008.

“The way I explain it to people, it’s like a film. You have a festival cut and then you have a wide release version,” says Alemany. “This is not the same album, though.”

Song extensions and production levels aside, I Might As Well Break It is an easy listen, full of catchy hooks and bravado. See “My Baby Says Boy, Don’t You Ever Go” as evidence.

It’s songs are not the world’s most original (see the same track as evidence), nor is the musicianship astoundingly advanced, but as the crest of synth-driven dance rock subsides, it is refreshing to see kids pushing some basic roots rock.

And as for the title?

“It’s basically ‘F*** it,” Alemany concludes.

“That’s the core idea of soul music and punk as well. I’ve got three months to live? F*** it. My house is gone? F*** it. It’s basically resigning yourself to things … but aggressively.”

I Might As Well Break It is out Tuesday, Sept. 15.

The band will host a album release party at Sneaky Dee’s Friday, Sept. 18 with Clothes Make The Man, Black Hat Brigade and Morning Electric.

aaron.miller@citynews.rogers.com

See more from Aaron Miller and others at The Untold City

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