Ballad of a Starving Artist, the debut LP from New Jersey’s The Modbeats, serves both as a love letter to the early days of rock and roll and a candid reflection on modern life in the business. On Friday, October 10th, at Kung Fu Necktie, in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, the Asbury Park-based quartet delivered a tightly coiled, high-energy set that felt simultaneously nostalgic and wholly contemporary, proving that their nuanced spin on revival rock is best experienced up close. The venue’s small, sweaty confines were the perfect setting for the band’s sound, which filters the gritty swagger of early Rolling Stones through a clean, power-pop lens a la Fountains of Wayne.
The Modbeats achieved an impressive sonic density as a quartet, particularly in such an intimate room. Bassist Scott Matison and drummer Fizz bring a solid, bouncy rhythm that lays the foundation for singer and lead guitarist Philip Dunn, armed with his Gibson Les Paul, to command the stage while Joe Mandia anchors the rhythm on his Gretsch 6120, bringing rockabilly vibes that reflect the band’s commitment to threading the needle between ’50s roots and ’60s melody. (They’re currently at work on new music that will represent an early shift beyond this sound.) The group remains dedicated to power pop and melodic structure, modernizing the classic sound without relying on lengthy improvisation, which demonstrates that true rock and roll power often lies in a perfectly constructed hook.
The setlist at this album release drew heavily from their recent work, including the title track, “Ballad of a Starving Artist,” a key song that Dunn revealed as the catalyst for the band’s formation. Live, the track exemplifies their ability to channel raw, garage-level energy into something brighter and more universally accessible. The band peppered in covers that highlighted their range and respect for history. Their take on Bob Dylan’s “Just Like a Woman” benefited from an early Stones makeover, driven by Dunn’s vocal articulation, and the band closed their set with a Derek and the Dominoes-style take on “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out,” offering a nod to the blues foundation that informs their work.
The Modbeats make a compelling case that rock and roll is far from dead, particularly when played with this level of conviction and melody. They honor their heroes while successfully creating a bold, fresh, and irresistibly catchy identity that is entirely their own.
