Modern Nature - The Heat Warps (Bella Union) [Alt Pop]

The Slow Music Movement
Sep 16
2 min read

*** This blog post first appeared in TSMM's September 3rd Newsletter, where you can get all the tips (and more) first ***

This is the cover for Modern Nature's, The Heat Warp album showing the band sitting at a table with lit candles in front. The green, distressed and textured wall and abstract art create an arty, alternative atmosphere.

When I stumbled on Jack Cooper’s Modern Nature project via the Annual album, I classed it, mainly due to Cooper’s vocals, as alt-pop, which in no way does justice to the thoughtfulness, idiosyncrasies and jazz flirting free spirit of the group. Whatever the genre I’ve kept an eye out for them ever since.

After hibernating in the country whilst starting a family, Jack finally found the bus stop, recruited Tara Cunningham to lend a hand on guitar and vocals, worked on stripping down the sound without sacrificing the message or artistic vision, and only gone and made a genuine alt-pop album. He’s got a few things to say about it as well. Here’s a few of them:

“Every day we’re confronted with a confusing and scary world. Making music and creating things can feel flippant or unnecessary, but my own world view was defined and influenced by art and artists who weren’t afraid to highlight and offer solutions”

“It feels as if being part of a group like Modern Nature and making an album that’s open, optimistic and ambitious is in itself part of the solution.”

“It’s difficult to stay aware of the world around you without becoming despondent, Pharoah makes the case for finding a personal philosophy and trying to live a life that might inspire others or at the very least not hurt them.”

“somewhere in there is a philosophy; a romantic nihilism.”

I wish I had more time to scribble some thoughts about this lovely album but it’s a beautifully crafted, warts and all - not that you’d notice, live album and deserves your attention. Don’t forget the back catalogue as well, you’re in for a treat.