Duly Noted

As Lester Bangs (played by Philip Seymour Hoffman) inAlmost Famous says, “The only true currency we share in this bankrupt world is what we share with someone else when we’re uncool.”

What does this quote have to do with my blog, you may be wondering? Well, for one, it’s my favorite movie and if you haven’t seen it yet, let’s plan a date to sit down and watch it. And second, most importantly, sometimes the most relatable bands are those bands that don’t exude “cool” but are rather accessible and average.

For example, up-and-coming emo/pop-punk darling Modern Baseball seems like four average college guys. While they may look normal and even a little dorky, their music is exceptional and wise beyond its years. The wit, charm, and prettiness of their deeply personal tunes is irresistible. You’re Gonna Miss It All, released in February, topped the Billboard vinyl charts and even broke into the Billboard Top 200.

Modern Baseball’s music is undeniably made of gold, but what makes the group so magnetic is its composition: four very normal college guys who just love making music with their close friends. They’ve got a taste aversion for douchy bros and DIY-obsessed crust punks, and they would rather just be goofy and natural. I honestly don’t think these fellas know how huge they are. Aren’t they cute?!

Founding members/guitarists/vocalists Jacob Ewald and Brendan Lukens are joined by bassist Ian Farmer and drummer Sean Huber, and the four have a style that is so attainable it’s absurd. On the sophisticated end, Jacob Ewald can be seen layering simple fitted zip-up hoodies with button ups or under denim jackets that pair well with the cuffed flood jeans. On the other end, the band is well wise and aware of the fact that comfort is way more vital than image, so the band dresses just like you and I: comfortable sneakers such as Converse, Vans, even running shoes, and crew necks and band tees.

So why am I highlighting the fashion of normal people? Because I’d venture to say that most people out there would rather dress in jeans and a Ramones tee and slip-on Vans than drop hundreds of dollars on a flawlessly tailored leather jacket, Dr. Marten boots, and Sam’s Club packs of American Crew hair gel. This is a band whose music connects on a deeply human level, so it only makes sense that they would look just like the fans that adore them. Modern Baseball is the same as most of its fans: anti-social unless it means goofing with dear friends and emotional and reflective as many college students are.

What do you think of these boys? Are you into their music and ability to make what’s normal charming? Let me know.

-Megan Fair

Posted on 14th April, 2014