Hailing from Adelaide, Australia, Street Legal is a five-piece new wave collective that’s been steadily gaining attention for their socially conscious songwriting and authentic approach to music making. With a shared love for the post disco and punk ethos of the early 2000s, Street Legal has been turning heads since making their entrance earlier this year.
Playing coveted support slots at South Australian music festivals like the Tour Down Under, Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival and Woolly Mammoth, they’ve also shared the stage with Australian music icons such as The Living End, Magic Dirt and Horror My Friend. Now, following the success of their debut single “Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow,” the band is back with their sophomore release, “Modern Ruins.”
“Modern Ruins” is a dreamy, new wave-inspired rock outing that showcases the band’s evolving sound and enduring songwriting panache. The song opens with a punchy downtempo beat, immediately drawing listeners into its transportive soundscape.
The twang of guitars enters creates an inviting atmosphere while bright synth textures fill out the sound. The lead vocals, delivered with a sense of longing and emotion, flutter above the enveloping arrangement weaving blissful melodies.
As “Modern Ruins” progresses, it gradually builds in impact, introducing more robust guitar tones. The track reaches its pinnacle with a superb sax solo in its final moments, adding an unexpected yet delightful twist to the song’s overall sonic journey. The result is an anthemic and instantly memorable track that sees this exciting new band go from strength to strength with their second release.
Beyond its dazzling sound, “Modern Ruins” is themed around long-distance relationships often linked with the fleeting work arrangements brought about by the resources boom in Australia. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the emotional struggle faced by those who must balance the pursuit of financial stability with personal happiness.
The single is also paired with a visually compelling music video directed by Conor Mercury, known for his work with notable bands like The Empty Threats, The Vains and Druid Fluids. Shot in the historic Port Adelaide, the video features abstract shots of the band performing the song, interspersed with scenes of a girl exploring the area, crafting an intriguing and retro-inspired complement to the music.
Watch the music video for Modern Ruins below
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