MORN - 'Modern Man'

London-based alternative-rock band MORN have released electrifying debut single ‘Modern Man’.

Originally emerging from Monmouth, South Wales, MORN have crashed headfirst into UK’s alternative music scene with their debut single ‘Modern Man’. Their song offers a chaotic and cathartic introduction to a sonic world that is entirely their own. Self-described as “doom over beautiful chords”, MORN manage to craft a sound that is jagged yet melodic, with memorable guitar lines and bold vocals. The song has a certain urgency to it that makes one feel as though they are racing to reach the end of the song. Their sound is one that is reminiscent of acts such as Bloc Party, The Strokes and IDLES.

Lyrically, the song dives straight into existential dread and nihilism with lines such as “It’s a strange place, get me out of here. There are people dying and they can’t breathe”. The song is very explicit in its message, and does not shy away from tackling troubling topics in a raw and direct manner. Vocalist and guitarist Oliver Riba says “Modern Man came from the wild urgency of our lives. Born from teenage riggs, shaped by laughter, anger, and fear”. This is evident throughout the song which does not just introduce MORN to London’s music scene but announces them with a punch to the gut. 

In a scene that often values polish over passion, MORN bring something messier and refreshingly authentic to the table with ‘Modern Man’. Given their very promising debut, I’m excited to see what else this band has in store for the near future.

Words by Irina Atanasiu