Modern Wildlife shares debut album

Hailing from Minneapolis, Modern Wildlife is an indie rock trio whose music spans the frantic rhythms of garage rock to ethereal diversions that shimmer with the wild spirit of the unknown. Formed in the summer of 2023, the band has been quick to a craft a sound that’s both raw and compelling.

Their songs range from fast-paced anthems to moody, thoughtful reflections, demonstrating the expansive scope of their artistic vision. In their so far short but impactful journey, Modern Wildlife has already started to make an impact.

The trio was invited to play at the iconic Stone Arch Bridge Festival in Minneapolis for its 30th-year celebration in the summer of 2024, attesting to their rising popularity and the quality of their music. The band’s agenda to blend jazz chords with punk rock and fit into diverse line-ups showcases their innovative approach to indie rock.

Capturing their sound in the studio, they’ve made their official entrance to the wider world with their debut album. The eleven-track record titled Cost of Living, provides the perfect run through of their diverse yet cohesive sound. Having teased out singles “Particles” and “Mergers and Acquisitions,” fans are now treated to the full dose of Modern Wildlife’s highly original sound in full-length format.

Started by the fuzzy feedback of “Another Place,” the song launches into a driving burst of crunchy guitars and splashing drums before settling into a smooth verse where cleaner guitar tones and bouncy basslines underpin commanding vocal leads. Venturing into the fringes of psych-rock territory but remaining firmly rooted in their own brand of lilting upbeat indie rock, it’s a compelling curtain raiser that sets up a thoroughly enveloping listening experience where riffs merge with intricate leads and anthemic vocal driven choruses.

Previously released single “Particles” wastes no time in jumping straight in with the crash of cymbals ushering in an uptempo indie rock groover. Driven by jumpy energy, lively vocals and the instrumentation to match, it’s a catchy and well-crafted outing that flows between raucous choruses and a dreamy stripped back bridge that builds to a rousing final moment.

“Paper Moons” slows things down with a swaying rhythm of laid back drums, smooth bass lines and lightly gritty guitars allowing for smooth vocals to lead the dynamic rise and fall of sonic energy leading to an epic guitar led moment. Showcasing the diversity on the record while still retaining a sound that’s thoroughly their own, it’s a grunge-tinged anthem that sees the band filter their influences through their own sonic lens.

Other highlights on the record include songs like “Cellophane Flowers” with it’s dream rock instrumental sound providing an intriguing and inviting moment on the album. “IYKYK” brings back the heat with an angsty guitar riff setting up a moody rock outing brimming with attitude and slick switch ups that sees compelling vocal performances cut with a range of charging riffs before the slowed down outro.

Closing the record with “Up To The Top,” airy tones are met with a mellow drum beat and bass line to match as soft guitar tones pair with hushed vocal leads. Once again demonstrating their profound lyrical writing, the song gently rises with a swell of energy before floating back down to a female vocal-led verse, leading to a stellar finale to conclude the band’s sensational first record. With live shows and more music on the way, 2024 is sure to be a breakout year for this exciting and talented trio who tread familiar ground in a completely new and worthwhile way.

Listen to Cost of Living below