PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Brit hard-hitters MODERN EVILS are a scorching new quintet with a vivacious debut single and video, Big Decline – https://youtu.be/CFk9BxQ_Bhw . Ones to watch for 2023, we spoke to the band to find out more:
What is the full band line-up, who sings and who plays which instrument?
Joe Palmer on guitar and vocals, Meg Truscott on drums, Aaron Steel on vocals, Toby Pollitt on bass and Sam Rose on guitar.
How and when did the band form? Tell us anything interesting about your hometown.
Aaron and Meg have been friends for years, but in 2019 their shared love for music led to them booking practice rooms so Meg could drum along to Aaron’s solo music. They quickly realised they wanted to expand their horizons, and Joe posting a video of him playing acoustic guitar on facebook was the catalyst. After inviting Joe along to a session, almost instantly they knew this could turn into something bigger. Needing to fatten up the sound, the three of them took to facebook in search of a bassist, where Toby was suggested by a mate of his. His personality filled the whole room almost as much as his bass did, and Modern Evils were born.
A year after forming, M’Evils played their first run of shows and collectively decided that they needed a 5th element to create a larger sound. They auditioned a range of people, but Sam was undeniably the perfect fit. The rest is history.
In terms of Swindon, nothing is really great here. But, we do have a magic roundabout that scares the hell out of any new driver (or experienced).
When and how did the band really start gelling and solidifying?
After Sam joined, the sound and feel of the band evolved and grew in the right direction. Everyone shares the same values and versatility, yet all have a wide range of differing experiences that helps make the sound and message relatable to all.
Who are your musical influences?
Idles, System of a Down, Biffy Clyro, Basement, Title Fight, Turnstile, Limp Bizkit, Touché Amoré, Strange Bones, Calva Louise, The GazettE, Britney Spears.
Where did the name of the band come from?
Modern Evils’ name was formed as a response to the negativity people express towards any sort of ‘liberal’ movement which they perceive as ‘evil’, such as gay rights, freedom of speech, drag and so on. We are a collection of those ‘evils’, and proudly so.
How far back does your history with each other (the band members) extend?
Aaron and Sam actually go back the furthest, with both of them being part of the Army Cadets. Aaron and Meg met when they were 18 in a Swindon nightclub (not what you’re thinking). Sam went to school with Joe’s younger sister. Meg, Sam and Toby have all known each other for around 6 years through the Swindon music scene. Aaron and Joe met working at a call centre, where Joe worked in IT and Aaron sold travel insurance.
Where have you played or toured?
We’ve played mostly in Swindon and Bristol so far, with the likes of Vicarage, All Ears Avow, How Long You Been Driving, Death is a Girl, Cuffs, Phantom Droid and ANIIMALIA.
In your opinion, how is your band different from all the other bands out there?
I think this answers itself if you try and ask us what genre we fit into, because we don’t really fit into any. Each song we make is different, so that makes it even harder.
If a deaf person were to ask you to describe the sound of your music, how would you describe it?
You’re at a fairground. The diversity of people and rides is sucking you in. You start by hooking a duck and get that small adrenaline rush. Feeling brave, you move onto the bumper cars with someone crashing into you at every angle. Needing a break, you hit the dodgy pop up bar for a drink, and next thing you know it’s your 6th go on the Ghost Train and you have no idea what is going on anymore, but you never want to leave.
Where can we find your social media sites?
Instagram: @modernevils
Facebook: facebook.com/modernevils
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/536TXKzN7BtDMwYeNnrdJa
