Name: 1 2 3 4
Brand: Modern English

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

IKMME04LP

Colour

Yellow

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: Yes

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2024-02-23

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

The Orchard

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

197189990229

Total Cap

Yellow LP

IKMME04CD

Extended format: No

197190136722

Artist

Modern English

Genre GB

New Wave / Post Punk

Label GB

Inkind Music

Modern English is an iconic British band that was formed in Colchester, Essex, England in 1977. The original lineup consisted of Robbie Grey on vocals, Gary McDowell on guitar, and Michael Conroy on bass. Initially known as the Lepers, they gained recognition in the punk scene before being signed by 4AD. Richard Brown joined as the drummer and Stephen Walker as the keyboardist to complete the band.
Their debut single "Drowning Man" was released in 1980 under the Limp Records label. A year later, their first full-length album "Mesh & Lace" showcased their gloomy post-punk sound influenced by bands like Joy Division. Their follow-up album "After The Snow" marked a significant progression with warmer tones and strong guitar harmonies.
Modern English's popularity soared with American audiences, leading them to relocate to New York City. However, subsequent albums like "Ricochet Days" (1984) showed less experimentation and creative growth. Despite changes in lineup and record labels over the years, Modern English has remained active with consistent touring and new releases.

Modern English is a paragon of consistency. Formed in Colchester, Essex, England, the band have maintained their same core lineup since 1977: vocalist Robbie Grey, guitarist Gary McDowell, bassist Mick Conroy, and keyboardist Stephen Walker. In recent years, Modern English have become widely respected as post-punk innovators, thanks to younger generations discovering their catalog and new artists citing the band as an influence. This increased popularity has translated to sold-out tours performing their early albums and a main stage appearance at the 2023 Cruel World Festival in front of more than 25,000 people. 

Modern English’s new album, 1 2 3 4 – produced by Mario McNulty (David Bowie, Lou Reed, Nine Inch Nails), mixed by Cenzo Townsend and mastered at Abbey Road – retains the intrinsic spirit of these early, post-punk days and is also a sterling sonic example of what Modern English have always done best. The album encompasses seething songs with punk bite (“Long in The Tooth,” “Plastic”), keyboard-forward melodic rockers ("Not Fake,” "Crazy Lovers") and simmering, darkwave-meets-post-punk gems (“Exploding,” “Out to Lunch”).

1 2 3 4

Music GB

Discover 1 2 3 4 by Modern English. Vinyl and CD formats available. Inkind Music presents a post-punk masterpiece with punk bite, melodic rockers, and darkwave gems.