By: Gretchen Hartenstein
Frontman Jack Antonoff and Bleachers have outdone themselves with this hair-flipping, foot-stomping anthem. Even as an avid music consumer, I was shocked to learn that this song, now a frequent flier on the alternative radio dial, was released several months ago in September. I must admit…for a moment I was disappointed; a girl who calls herself a radio rebel ought to know these things. Nevertheless, it’s been quite a long time since I’ve encountered a song that makes me dance with unabashed spirit and enthusiasm that would make Hugh Grant proud.
I’ve been noticing a trend of recent releases in popular music that feel like they’ve been lost in the wrong decade, and “Modern Girl” is no exception. Sonically, the track is simple and it’s that driving backbeat from the drums and bass that makes it impossible to resist moving to. And of course, Antonoff’s genius inclusion of that dirty, throaty saxophone riff makes this song unmistakable from just the first few seconds. Its growl opens the melody, underlies the chorus, and keeps coming back to hit you again and again. The sound is bold, fresh, and unique but also still very characteristically Bleachers.
The whole song embodies that dichotomy of unpolished cleanness that I associate with a raucous live performance. You can hear the energy that Bleachers are pumping into this tune, as if they’re on stage every time and they know no limits, putting every last bit of grit that they possess into their final stand.
An 80’s inspired music video followed the release of the track in September and it is a visual embodiment of that pure joy and boundless energy that the song exudes so well. “Modern Girl” will be featured on Bleachers’ upcoming self-titled album, due out March 8. The group is set to embark on a tour of the US and UK, stopping at Philadelphia’s The Met on June 12.
From one unreliable reporter and pop music hoarder to another, Jack Antonoff and Bleachers have won my heart and I’m extremely excited to see what comes from this new album.