Mod Lang

***"The Motor City’s fabbest new foursome has finally squeezed a year and a half of late-night drives, in-person blow-outs, busted A/Cs, and grass roots-fueled rock ‘n’ roll onto a new slab of wax that will really turn your head. After dominating the Midwest circuit with nothing but word-of-mouth, a couple of demos, and harmonies bright enough to make mods and rockers make peace, Mod Lang delivers a debut LP that proves they weren’t another hype band that some old geezer told you about.

Tracked mostly live and bounced down to reel-to-reel, Borrowed Time is a direct and concise attempt at a pure pop album. Across the ten tracks, you’ll hear messages about hopeless romanticism, disillusionment of everyday life, urban alienation, and rock ‘n’ roll mythology. Simple, direct, and unpretentious. Better than TV. Starting with the opener 'What I Can’t Have,' the true heart of the record, guitarists-vocalists Antonio Keka and Alex Belfie’s Beatles vs Stones melodies set the tone for the remaining 30 minutes. The beat-driven 'Cocamoda' reportedly emerged from a gibberish jam that tells a comical tale about a loved one getting put into jail while showing off the impressive rhythmic force of bassist Ava East and drummer Ben Taber. 'These Words' is proof Keka and Belfie got the brains and ragged charm for writing clear, infectious melodies that’ll make you feel alright. Both 'Big House' and 'Borrowed Time' come on hard with a level of breathless energy that borders on frenzy — investing pop for a rawer, looser, and altogether more thrilling sound. Rock doesn’t get any better than this. To close the album, “In The Morning” presents a more stripped-down side of the group with its Everly-tight harmonies and raw interlocking acoustic guitars. You’ll love it so much it’ll hurt.

This is an LP the likes of which you never heard before, nor are you likely to hear again. Mod Lang is part of the few groups in the USA steering pop rock ‘n’ roll in the right direction (see also The Lemon Twigs, Uni Boys, and Sharp Pins). Detroit’s been long overdue for a new pop-rock group this good. Now hush up, gather ’round, and hear the beat of Mod Lang!"

—Joe Massaro (Hot Sounds)