Buzzcocks, Modern English, and Grade 2

The legendary punk-pop band The Buzzcocks seemed to exist in three phases. First there was the art-rock take on punk with singer-songwriters Howard Devoto and Pete Shelley rather inventing the Manchester postpunk sound. Then there was the era of Buzzcocks ascendancy. Devoto had left, and Shelley and guitarist Steve Diggle wrote anthem after anthem that bathed classic melodic hooks in snarls of loud punk rock.

This era was the blueprint for bands like Offspring, Green Day, and so many others who would follow through the years.The third phase is the Buzzcocks as they exist today. Still cranking out worthwhile albums of clever, loud, brash spikey pop, the band manage to combine all three of their existences into a thrilling live set.

In concert, they'll start off their lengthy set by running through material from their latest records. That this new material sounds every bit as exciting and vital as some of the songs the band did in its heyday 30 years ago is a testament to the eternally youthful stage presence of Diggle and the sardonic songcraft of Shelley.Eventually, a Buzzcocks show gets to the heart of the matter. Ripping through their well-known singles from “Love You More” to “Everybody's Happy Nowadays” to a joyous “Ever Fallen In Love”, the band seem fully in their element here.

Well into middle age, the group still gives a good look at what all the excitement was about back in the day. For their part, the audience responds with near delirium, singing the numerous “whoah-ohs” to songs like “I Don't Mind” in a way that suggests an almost religious experience.

Finally, if you're lucky enough to catch them in the UK, you might get a final chunk of tunes towards the end of the set. That's when the often cranky, but frequently hilarious and acerbic Howard Devoto joins his former bandmates for a trip through their earliest tunes. Things can occasionally get a bit loose here, as Devoto is nothing if not still an unpredictable sort...but that's something of the point to all that punk noise, right?

Modern English provides all the sounds that you could ask for in a New Wave band. They are still as energetic as ever when they take the stage, providing the heavily layered soundscapes and jagged hooks that they have perfected.
They are masters at combining their guitars to create large, orchestral sounds. The lead guitarist always has an interesting and catchy riff to play in the song, which is usually saturated in heavy flanging and chorus effects that give the sound a shimmering quality. The bass playing is always driving the songs in an aggressive tone that draws comparison to Joy Division’s style. Modern English also incorporates more poppy elements to their songs through the use of synthesizers that create nice atmospheric soundscapes as well as very catchy leads.
Modern English still stays true to the style of the ‘80s, often wearing skinny jeans and suave black jackets. The lead singer, Robbie Grey, often sports sunglasses and struts around stage inciting the audience to participate in the fun. Modern English’s performances also usually consist of a fun light show with bright colorful lights beaming across the stage to the tempo of the music. The venue turns into a party with all members of the audience dancing and singing when songs like “Ink and Paper” are played.
Modern English plays an exciting setlist that consists of most of their hits and draws heavily from the After Snow album, which contains classic songs like “I Melt With You” and “Someone’s Calling”. Their live performances are absolutely enthralling and fun, and the delivery of their music live is still top notch.