The Modbeats have today released their new single titled ‘The Setting Sons’ via Mayleen Records. That suave retro guitar sound with vintage originality and spark in the snark attitude shows us that rock is far from dead. It never left. Relevant in sound and message, The Modbeats show us, in the lyrics, that the party is far from over; it just has a few assholes in it.
And, isn’t that what life is all about? Getting through the bad while carrying on?
Musically, this is brilliance in a bottle you are about to drink. Intoxicating in reverence and mesmerizing in sound, ‘The Setting Sons’ takes us back while pushing us forward with that sweet guitar rock we all miss and now know is alive and well.
Check out our other features with The Modbeats HERE.
About ‘The Setting Sons’
The Modbeats’ signature blend of early rock and roll foundations with mod stylings, surf, power-pop, and blues influences shines brightly in “The Setting Sons.” The song’s opening riff is heavily influenced by neo-Eastern sounds, reminiscent of Jeff Beck’s work on The Yardbirds’ “Heart Full of Soul.” The track builds from this distinctive intro into a chorus that’s as anthemic as it is memorable. The solo, performed on a Fender Stratocaster, complements the quasi-Eastern vibe while standing out with precision and restraint. Frontman and songwriter Philip Dunn describes the inspiration behind the single, stating, “The world has gone mad, but at least we can still get in the car, blast our favorite songs, and have our kicks for at least a little bit. For me, that album is Setting Sons by The Jam. Long live Paul Weller! Long live The Jam!”
To achieve the song’s signature sound, The Modbeats utilized an array of iconic instruments—rhythm tracks featuring a blend of Rickenbacker guitars—the 330/6 for the opening riff and the 360/12-string for additional layers. “We wanted this to be a song that feels fresh but carries the timeless elements of classic rock. The solo needed to stand out without being overly busy, and the chorus ties it all together in a way we’re really proud of,” Dunn explains. Adding to the track’s depth, Bryan Haring of The Gaslight Anthem contributes vocal harmonies on the chorus, further amplifying the song’s anthemic quality. Dunn composed and produced “The Setting Sons,” with engineering by Nick Semanchik at Lake House Studio in Asbury Park, NJ. The song solidifies their position as modern torchbearers of the vibrant rock and roll sound spanning decades.
The Modbeats are a New Jersey-based four-piece band blending early rock and roll foundations with mod stylings and musical elements of surf, jangle-pop, power-pop, rockabilly, folk, psychedelic, blues, alt-country, and soul. Alongside Philip Dunn (vocals, guitar), the lineup includes Joe Mandia (guitar), Scott Matison (bass), and Fizz (drums). Since forming in 2023, the band has quickly garnered attention for their nuanced spin on revival rock, with their June 2024 debut single, “Ballad of a Starving Artist,” featured on WXPN’s annual Power Pop Extravaganza. Recent release, “Fairweather Friends,” earned attention from notable press outlets like Rock at Night, Powerpopaholic, and Digital Tour Bus. The band was also placed on Music Connection’s coveted Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists and Bands of 2024 list.
About The Modbeats
Threading the needle of early Rock N Roll Rhythm & Blues and Jangle Pop Soul, NJ-based band The Modbeats launched their debut single “Ballad of A Starving Artist b/w “Rocking Chair” courtesy of Mayleen Records in Summer 2024. Formed in late 2023, The Modbeats name symbolizes the confluence of Mod and Modernist stylings with the pure sonic bliss and beat of rock n roll music. Three more A/B side singles are slated for release with a full-length eponymous LP to follow.
LINKS:
https://www.themodbeats.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7wlZPDXxASph9IAgnrqvRC
https://www.facebook.com/themodbeatsband
https://www.instagram.com/themodbeats/
https://www.youtube.com/@TheModbeatsBand
