Formed in Colchester, England, the band self-released its first single on its own Limp Records label prior to signing to 4AD, home to such like-minded acts as Bauhaus, Cocteau Twins, and Dead Can Dance. Laying the foundation for future musical movements such as goth and industrial, Modern English would gain the attention of renowned BBC DJ John Peel, who featured the band twice on his program.
On 1982’s After the Snow — produced by the acclaimed Hugh Jones whose credits include albums by Echo and the Bunnymen, Simple Minds, The Damned, and many more — the band’s sound evolved from the dark, moody, and challenging post-punk found on its debut, Mesh & Lace, to a more commercial and radio-friendly mix of synthesizers, guitars, catchy drum beats, and singer Robbie Grey’s unmistakable vocals. As the title suggests, the icy sound featured on Mesh & Lace melted away on After the Snow to reveal more concise and potent songs, highlighted by ‘I Melt With You’ which brought the band up from the underground to the mainstream. ‘I Melt With You’ is one of the most iconic songs of the New Wave era. The song has been one of the most played songs on radio with well over 8 million plays and will be honored again at the 2024 BMI London Awards. The band is currently on tour in the US and making their way to Australia, New Zealand, Shanghai, and the UK in late 2024.
The original members are active creating & touring new music. Visit www.modernenglish.me for tour dates and Vinyl!