Model Society

Three days after the worst riots London has ever seen I venture into Camden to see a band called the Model Society. The area is normally buzzing whatever day of the week or time of the day but this evening the atmosphere is very subdued and the Police (in full Riot gear) seem to outnumber the people.

Walking into the Wheelbarrow though, you would never have guessed anything had happened. Maybe it isn’t quite as busy as normal (I manage to get a seat and a table!) but it has a great vibe.

The first band to take to the stage are young electro popsters called Luminaries. They have heaps of energy and expensive equipment and a couple of really good songs although the vocals let them down at times. They remind me of the Drums before they went surf crazy.

After a short break the Model Society take to the stage. After the amount of equipment the last band had on stage these guys look like they may have left some gear behind, but they say less is more and they are right tonight.

They burst into their first song ‘Tomorrow She Loves Me’ and it is plainly obvious these guys love the music of the Stranglers, Wire, Magazine and Joy Division. The singer even has an Ian Curtis thing going on. Their power and energy really hits you in the face and you can’t help but get carried away by the powerful drums the throbbing bass lines.

What helps make this band stand out from many of the other 80s sounding bands doing the rounds at the moment are the vocals which bounce from singer to guitarist and remind me of Blur or even Oasis.

The best song of the night is their new single ‘Systematic’, which makes me want to pogo around the venue, not a good look for a 45 year old man! They have taken the 70s punk sound, ripped it apart and rebuilt it for a new generation. It is short, straight to the point and makes you jump around. It doesn’t get any better than this.

They finish their set with a song called Rock and Roll Suicide which even steps up the energy if that is possible and leaves the singer collapsed on the floor and the crowd wanting more.

If you like your music loud, spiky and full of energy go and see the Model Society at a venue near you soon!
- Music News

Model Society sound like Britain. As an intruder from across the pond, this was all the more evident to me. The London natives arrive on stage looking like they’ve just walked in from a long day on an East End market – as if the band is just a hobby on the side. But while it looks like that, the sound puts forward a different argument.

It’s Britpop night in the Lexington, and what better band to headline. The crowd are treated to big choruses swelling with cheeky pop-punk accents spread throughout. There’s a humble feel to proceedings, as our working-class heroes traipse on, despite the mini-monsoon cultivating outside.

Opening with the perfectly polished ‘City of Romance’, the band immediately take the Lexington back to the sunny energy and youthful enthusiasm of the 90s Britpop era. It’s definitely a show for those who like a little Pulp added to their orange juice. Pulsating drums smack you in the face from the get-go, with jaunty bass lines making you feel you deserved it.

Singer Danny Clare is a great, charismatic front man, even if the tracks can lull at times. He can rock a keyboard, while eliciting a tone similar to that of Damon Albarn. In fact, I’m just waiting for him to burst into ‘Girls and Boys’.

But he doesn’t, thankfully. Instead, it’s ‘Horizons’, a catchy chant-like anthem, with an uplifting hook than would cheer up the wettest of punters. ‘Systematic’ is all the entrancing beats of Bloc Party, under Britpop vocals that I’ve only now realised the latter were missing.

The only concern is that Model Society are almost too easily compared, sometimes coming across as a tribute band. But with original crowd-pleasers abundant, it’s not a worry that will keep them up at night.

The melodic ‘I’m too cool to write a love song’ feel of ‘Metropolitan Love Song’ is delivered with an unaffected nonchalance similar to that of The Smiths, while closer, the super-sleek ‘Rock and Roll Suicide’, sounds great on them. There’s a soft Tears for Fears ‘Everyone Wants to Rule The World’ feel to the backing harmonies, while Clare’s determined vocals solidify the track as an exciting direction for the band.

It’s refreshing, a performance commentating on suburban British life, from a band that aren’t rocking mansions in Belsize park – but who are still loving it. It all adds up to a stage presence that is endearingly infectious, with the tracks to back it up.
- Shout 4 Music

London-based band The Model Society meld the punk ethos with solid pop sensibilities, binding it altogether with carefully crafted kitchen-sink lyrics.

They combine dour imagery from suburban British life with a catchy optimism that is meted out in soaring choruses and hook-laden melodies.

Over the last few months the band have played City Show Case and Brighton’s Great Escape Festival, before heading into the studio to complete a number of songs with indie producer Paul Tipler (Placebo, Idlewild.)

Systematic is the first single from these recordings, and is distributed through State 51/Label Fandango.

M spent 30 seconds with the band to learn more…

How long have you been making music?
The band has been together for around a year and a half. Individually we have all been making music for donkey’s years.

What inspired your latest single?
A desire to get out there and do something productive, and to do something that may have a positive effect on people in terms of the music we play. Our single Systematic is a journey of commuting, relationships and routine life. Something we all do everyday without thinking about it.

What process do you go through to create your music?
We come up with basic songs, melodies, ideas and often have writing sessions together with a few drinks to add spice. We take them into the rehearsal room and all elaborate to create the song. We try songs out live to get a reaction too.

How would you describe your sound?
Pop-punk with melodies and an element of satire. We grew up on a healthy diet of British music; The Smiths, Buzzocks, brit-pop, Benjamin Britten, oh, and a nod to the talents of Serge Gainsbourg.

What would your dream collaboration be?
This is the dream collaboration. Other than that the fella who came up with the ‘We Buy any Car’ theme tune.
- PRS Magazine

MODEL SOCIETY are set to release their eagerly anticipated next single 'Horizons' on the 27th February. The track is the second in a series of singles produced by legendary indie producer Paul Tipler. As the dust settles in a west end back street, a stones throw from the up tempo high streets of inner city London, a sound can be heard emerging from a basement beneath the pitter patter of commuter feet.
The sound is that of Model Society, a band who struck a chord with each other and found a common ground in the love they have for the same music - bands with identities and guitars! The guys are armed with a strong identity and craft for songwriting. They brim with a confidence not seen since the Britpop days, with songs that reach to grab you from the intro and don’t let you go till the last note is viciously struck in a punk vain.

Lyrically they offer an insight into the social commentary and satire of contemporary suburban British life, with choruses to get you singing along and pogoing the night away to your heart's content.

Welcome to the world of Model Society!

‘Everything in this single has been done to perfection. From the simple synth riff to the wonderful shouty backing vocals and if the sing along chorus doesn’t get you pogoing around your bedroom then nothing will.’ - Music News

'Model Society are a thoughtful bunch with lyrics that serve as a satirical critique of modern British society. In short, Model Society look set to be become the thinking mans new favourite band.’ - More Than the Music
- Club Fandango

Now this could be another Viva Brother outfit racking up the attitude - or ‘self-assurance’ they may prefer it as - in gritty Britpop revivalism. On the other hand, Model Society could just be four London lads on a mission to serve up, as vocalist Danny Clare has stated, ‘some of the satire and irony of Britain’ in their three-minute blasts of short-and-sweet, catchy melodies. Big on harmonies, big on choruses, with a few nice big twangy guitar and plinky-plonk keyboards moments, ‘Horizons’ sees them meeting the line between early Blue and Bloc Party - Shout 4 Music

Systematic is the debut single from pop punksters Model Society. They hail from London Town and came about after songwriters Danny and Stephen met in the offices of PRS for music.

They have been together just over a year and have acquired a large following due to their energetic live performances. Having seen them play I was interested to see if they could capture the energy they have on stage and transfer that to a recording studio. I am please to say they can! Systematic is two and a half minutes of perfect modern day punk.

Yes, this has been done before and the influences are too many to mention but that doesn’t matter as this is punk rock for the new generation. Kids who were born after Howard Devoto left the Buzzcocks will enjoy this as much of those who were at the 100 club in 1977. (If there are any left!)

Everything in this short single has been done to perfection. From the simple synth riff to the wonderful shouty backing vocals and if the sing along chorus doesn’t get you pogoing around your bedroom then nothing will. Get this song on your mp3 player as soon as you can!
- Music News

London based, Britpop revivalists Model Society, are back and set to release their eagerly anticipated next single ‘Horizons’ on the 27th Feb. The track is the 2nd in a series of singles produced by legendary indie producer Paul Tipler. (Stereolab, Chapterhouse).

The track has already been championed by Steve Lamacq and it’s easy to see why.

- Right Chord Music

Model Society are a London four piece whose sound will leave you reeling with memories and nostalgia. Their vocals are reminiscent of The Jam and The Stone Roses, with an attitude not a million miles away from the likes of The Smiths, distilled with the seriousness of Joy Division.

A quick listen to their debut single Systematic will give you a small flavour of what is surely to come from this promising quartet. Produced by Paul Tipler, whose prior work boasts the likes of Placebo and Idlewild, distinctive vocals and brooding guitar blend to create a melodic indie anthem. Danny Clare (vocals and keys), Stephen Kelly (vocals and guitar), Sam Wilkinson (drums) and Antoine Richert (bass) are not just in the business of making catchy tunes though. Model Society are a thoughtful bunch with lyrics, finely honed by Danny and Stephen, that serve as a satirical critique of modern British society. In short, Model Society look set to be become the thinking mans new favourite band.

The London boys have become well known for their energetic live performances, which boast Brighton’s Great Escape and an appearance at City Show Case, not to mention upcoming London dates. You can catch one of these whirlwind performances on the 6th and 11th October at London’s Bull and Gate. Frankly, you won’t regret it.
- More than the music

Model Society has a distinctly British feel and are very reminiscent of Bloc Party but in the early days when they were good and before they went all electro and lost their edge. There is a decent amount of grit behind this release and you feel like they really mean it; not only does the single give you a cracking pop tune which worms its way easily into your memory but is full of real energy and passion which is something that's often sadly missing from generic run-of-the-mill pop tunes.

"Systematic" is a great single from the London four piece; it's punchy, melodic and catchy. The jangly indie-pop tune is memorable and gets you bobbing about uncontrollably in no time, which is a testament to the bands ability to pen a hook-laden tune. Put them on your 'ones to check out in 2012' list.

- Room Thirteen

Model Society are the latest band to raise their heads above London’s waters that currently conceal a wealth of undiscovered music. Their debut Systematic has caught the attention of 6 Music legend Steve Lemacq and is a solid first offering from the quartet. Their influences are clear throughout the track and Paul Tipler’s (Idlewild, Placebo) production brings out a definite Roddy Womble twang mixed with the Weller-esq grit that makes up lead singer Danny Clare’s vocal.

MS’s sound on this track combines elements of numerous band’s early days, from Blur’s Tracy Jacks, Idlewild’s When I Argue I See Shapes to Bloc Party’s Helicopter. It’s early days yet but as a first single Systematic is sure to open a few doors and prick up a few ears for Model Society.
- Who's Jack

Model Society are an indie four piece from London comprised of Danny Clare, Stephen Kelly, Eddie Caldwell and Antoine Richert. The lads stumbled upon each other due to a love that they have for bands with identities and guitars. Model Society are preparing to release their second single, 'Horizons' on the 27th of February.

'Horizons' is in a similar vein to The Model Society's first release, 'Systematic' - packed full of social commentary, the apparent bread and butter of Model Society. They remind me of the glorious Britpop days, yet they some how manage to bring it forward with an up to date style.

Model Society’s song don’t seem to last beyond the three-minute mark, but with a quick style intro and infectious choruses, what more can you want from a band who’s front man just seems to ooze confidence?

This is what Model Society had to say about their approach to music: “Without identity you're just the same as everyone else and you don't stand out from the crowd. It's important to wear your heart on your sleeve and have an honest and original approach to music - otherwise you're a fake, and who wants to be a fake?!”

'Horizons' is exactly what is missing from the current music scene - a gritty Britpop single that catches your attention from the word "go". We at The Middle like it so much you might even see it cropping up in our 'Songs of the Week' section...watch this space.

- Middle Music

Email this single review Printable version Horizons is the second release from the enigmatic Model Society. Their debut single Systematic was a flurry of punk pop and although the new song is from the same stable it borrows more from 70s punk legends such as Magazine and the Jam.

It is short, sharp and packed full of energy just how a punk song should be. I would love to see this song played live as it makes me want to pogo around the room and mosh. Steve Lamaq loves the song and has been playing it on his 6music show and you can’t argue with the Lamaq!

The use of keyboards in this new offering is very understated but works so well. The spiky buzzing guitars collide with the vocal melody, which is very much the Model Society way.

The guys are in the middle of a small London tour at the moment and will be playing Bestival in the summer so do yourselves a favour and catch them live.


- Music News