by Dominic Acito (@mycamgrlromance)
Modern Condition is the second full length release for MOD CON, but it was the third release of 2021 for Erica Dunn. You may recognize her voice from songs like “Where’s My Eugene?” by Tropical Fuck Storm or her more mellow project Palm Springs. MOD CON is a different beast altogether from her other bands. Whereas TFS is chaotic and Palm Springs is wistful and folky, MOD CON are good new fashioned post-punk. Described by TFS band mate Gareth Liddiard as “somewhere between The Bangles and Black Flag,” they drift toward punk but never seem to be too far from pop sensibilities. Songs like “Is Your Heart a Joke?,” if given different production could be easily have been made into an 80’s pop song, but with the raw production of this record and Dunn’s distinct guitar style, it erupts as a punk song.
Modern Condition is an album that captures the explosive chemistry exchanged in the studio between the members of MOD CON. They produce a sound that’s well rounded and full bodied, especially for a trio who don’t rely on any studio tricks to pad their sound. Erica’s voice is at times airy and melodic, but then explodes into defiant shouting that sticks in your head - like on the opening track “Ammo” where Dunn shouts “you dress in denim and make me wait twenty minutes!”
The rhythm section of the band are perfectly in step, with Raquel Solier on drums and Sara Retallick on bass. One would almost think the bass and drums were coming from the same person, given their synchronicity. The song “Electric Whip” is a perfect example of this, where the drums and bass are joined in the beginning by electric guitar which drifts off finding its own melodies while the unwavering drums and bass provide a counterpoint to airy vocals and reverb soaked guitars.
Fittingly called Modern Condition, this album lyrically explores the emotional toll that the current state of politics takes on the individual. “X-Ray” is a surf rock-like commentary on the forced labels and perspectives pushed by different groups in the misinformation age. The song “Agadir 1960” which references an earthquake in Morocco in the 1960s – chronicles a natural disaster that was made all the more terrible by poor preparation and government response. It is easy to relate these to our modern condition.
Modern Condition is apt for the times. Enjoyable. Danceable. Encouraging the listener to keep questioning and reminding them that there is still plenty to shout about.