The Early Years

‘Modern Moonlight’ is The Early Years’ first new album in a decade and just their third in 20 years, following their eponymous debut for Beggars Banquet in 2006 and ‘II’, released on Sonic Cathedral in 2016 and recently named as one of Uncut Magazine’s Greatest Albums of the 2010s. It was worth the wait. It’s a stunning mix of Davids Bowie and Byrne, John Cage, Conny Plank, Brian Eno, Radiohead. “All the usual stuff,” says nominal frontman Dave Malkinson. “Loved ones and Italian red wine played a part, too, Oblique Strategies…” “I wanted the album to be called ‘III’,” admits guitarist Roger Mackin. “But ‘Modern Moonlight’ came about at 2am when we were writing the song of the same name.” “Heroes don’t stand in sunlight anymore, they stand in the bluish glare of a phone at 2am wondering if anyone else is listening or even awake,” expands drummer Phil Raines. “Moonlight is not a thing, it’s a condition, light that has already touched something else. Borrowed. Reflected. The expectation of the present arriving after we’ve moved. “So, this album is not about our moon. It’s about how we’re all responding to the world we’ve found ourselves living in, hoping for utopia, but realising we’re all slightly late to the party.” In the case of ‘Modern Moonlight’, it’s better late than never.