Although the Modulators haven’t released any new music — until now, that is — since 1984, they’ve kept active playing live dates. And it really shows on the New Jersey band’s long-awaited second album, Try Try Try. Their well-oiled chops are matched by an impeccable sense of timing and motion, giving way to a collection of immensely memorable songs.
Armed with an arsenal of jingly guitars and clicking hooks, the Modulators are masters of the meticulously groomed pop tune. Due to the relatively rootsy vocals, slivers of Southern-fried foliage also occasionally inhabit the band’s attentively-crafted material. The influence of artists such as the Byrds, the Searchers, Big Star, Raspberries and Tom Petty may frequently leak through the grooves of Try Try Try, but the Modulators possess the right tools to inject their own affable personality into their missives.
While the songs on Try Try Try (Kool Kat Musik) are composed of a similar blueprint, they’re so irresistible that you won’t want the album to end. Tracks like “What’s On Your Mind,” “Crystal Clear,” “Upper Hand,” “Someday” and “All I Need Is You” are the slide ruler in which all great pop songs should be measured by.
Lathered to the limit with sweet melodies, head-nodding breaks, and bright and breezy harmonies, Try Try Try is ear candy deluxe. Let’s just hope we don’t have to wait another 30-plus years for the Modulators to put out another album!
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