After four years in production, Modern Holiday released their self-titled debut album. The album comes with 13 tracks, including singles “Shuttered Life,” “Goodbye Grand Street,” “Oceans,” and “Beware the Robots.”
Based out of Queens and Brooklyn, Jameson Edwards is the main vocalist and guitarist, alongside vocalist and bassist Billy Gray and drummer Michael Horaz. Guitarist Niko Siskos is the newest member of the band, joining at the end of 2025. Guest musicians Tommy Cormier and vocalist Olivia Edwards also appear on the album.
“Shuttered Life” is the band’s debut single, first released in March highlighting feelings of anxiety and isolation, reminiscent of the shared experience of 2020. A beautiful opening track that ends in a climatic way to prepare us for more.
Singles “Goodbye Grand Street” and “Beware the Robots” are a love letter to the band’s beginnings. Lyrics speak of nostalgia, love, and cherished memories of vocalist Jameson Edward’s time in Brooklyn. “Beware the Robots” gives us the first guitar solo of the album, leaning into a Midwest emo sound.
The first half of the album starts calm and slow before bursting in energy towards the end. “The Darkness of Forgotten Towns” holds a steady beat, giving the guitar a moment to sing during the bridge. “Who We Are” starts with a sample of media coverage from January 6th, then explodes with lyrics that say “this is who we are, America.”
The second half of the album gets a little louder and harder. “Suburban Homes” takes the grunge approach, obvious in the chorus as Edwards’ vocals are drowned out by guitar solos, melodies, and chaos.
Each half features a minute-long instrumental interlude in each half before finishing the album with another instrumental. As a whole, Modern Holiday encompasses themes of relationships, mental health, body image issues, and clear commentary on the state of current politics.
The album takes after the sounds of bands such as Built to Spill, My Bloody Valentine, and Weezer. It’s a mix of genres, including alternative rock, shoegaze, grunge, indie rock, and Midwest emo that easily gets your head gently banging.
Modern Holiday celebrated the release of the album by playing a free show at The Gutter in Brooklyn. To stream the new album, click here.
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