Today we travel to Brisbane, Australia. Home of The Go-Betweens. But also many other good bands. Here is one I didn’t know about, that I just discovered, Modern Poets.
In 1989 they were making their debut with the release of a 7″ on Big Noise Records (M.P-1230NIT) which probably was their own label. This record had two songs, “Understanding Mary” on the A side and “Redsun” on the B side. It was recorded at Vibrafeel Studios in their hometown and was co-produced by the band and Michael Borkowski.
In 1991 the band would release a cassette album titled “Politics, Poetry and…”. It was put out by Big Noise Records (MP 223740) and was again recorded at Vibrafeel Studios and mastered by Jim Baker at Willowtree Studios.
The album had the following songs, “She Says”, “Ethic of Love”, “Rock Strength”, “Crushed”, “Understanding Mary” and “Driving” on the A side and “Big Slide”, “Planet Go to Rest”, “Fall from Grace”, “Forest Fire”, “Everything is Fine”, “Epiphany” and “This Burning Town” on the flipside.
We learn too that the band was formed by Jonathon Sargeant on vocals, Ben Thomson on bass, Timothy Hills on strings and Philip Neil on drums. Timothy was the one who wrote the music.
Other than these two releases we know that their song “Red Sun” appeared on “Triple M FM 104 Homegrown” LP compilation released by Wheatley Records (TWOHG 004) in 1990.
Then I find a Facebook page for the band. Here I learn that the band started in 1983.
I find there a video of the band playing the song “Feel the Light“. On that same account by Timothy Hills, there are more videos of them, for example the band practicing at Oxley Hall in the Gap in 1985. Recording at Star Sound after Winning the Triple MM Homegrown in 1988. Or live on Channel Seven on a Saturday morning. And what about a fun short video after an interview?
There’s a video for “Everything is Fine” too.
Then I find that the band reunited for a gig on October 4th, 2014.
And lastly on Yotube I find the band’s song “Fear of the Fall” being played live at the Festival Hall in Brisbane in 1985. There is no live footage though. But can check the song.
Another little detail I find is that these days Tim, Jonathon and Phil make music with a project called Dolby System.
Good stuff, right?
What do you all remember about the Modern Poets? Did they play live much? Did they release any other records?
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