Over the past few weeks, I’ve talked quite a bit about Soul Step Records. This vinyl-only label from Cincinnati has an uncanny knack for putting out the most promising indie acts of the Midwest. While not devoted to a particular genre, all Soul Step released have one thing in common: Fun. “Laurel Leaves” by Modern Aquatic is no exception.
From the opening seconds of the reverb-heavy guitar lick, I knew this song was a Record Of The Day.
Since their inception in 2015, Modern Aquatic have crafted a unique blend of genre-less music, that’s upbeat, fun, and genuinely unique. There are hints of Vampire Weekend’s quirkiness, likability of The Walkmen, as well as the attitude of The Strokes. No matter what you call Modern Aquatic, you’ll be singing along and bobbing your head no sooner than the needle drops on “Laurel Leaves”.
While 50thirdand3rd’s Record Of The Day column generally puts the focus on one song, I can’t help but bring up the B-side. “Edgar Allan Poe Was A Hardcore Dancer” is an equally as unique jam. Jangly guitars, sing-song vocals, and incomprehensible vibes that beg to be played over and over!
Modern Aquatic is a band who spends more time crafting catchy tunes and less time on gimmicks.
As part of Soul Step Records’ Brewer’s Series, “Laurel Leaves” is available in extremely limited quantities on vinyl. All of the Wax Mage and color variants will likely be sold out by the time this article is posted! If youcan get your hands on this 7″, I guarantee you will not be disappointed! It’s the perfect record to let you know what Modern Aquatic is all about, as well as Soul Step Records!
Check out “Laurel Leaves” here in this video below, and head to Soul Step Records to pick it up on limited edition vinyl!
