For The Modbeats, escape isn’t just a fantasy; it’s a necessity. Their latest single, “Frankie,” captures the high-octane rush of leaving city chaos behind in favor of moonlit coastlines, rebellious parties, and the kind of summer nights that feel almost too good to be true. A scorching blend of surf rock swagger and garage grit, the track arrives as the final preview of the band’s debut LP, Ballad of a Starving Artist, out September 5 via Mayleen Records.
Written during the tail end of the pandemic, “Frankie” emerged from a yearning for release. “We suspect that those who reside on the coasts will dig the vibe verbatim,” the band shares. “Hopping in the convertible with your best friends, getting the hell out of the city, and heading to the shore blasting rock ’n’ roll en route to one hell of a party.” Whether that party leads to romance or just a night of reckless freedom, it doesn’t matter. “You take your chances. You plead your case.” Musically, the song hits like a lost B-side from a time when radios blared out Chuck Berry licks and beach towns pulsed with teenage energy. Recorded in Asbury Park, NJ and written by frontman Philip Dunn, “Frankie” leans into its retro spirit without ever sounding stuck in the past. Dunn’s favorite part? The blistering solo draws inspiration from Chuck Berry, Eddie Van Halen, and the Beach Boys all at once. It’s a moment that perfectly sums up the band’s sound: nostalgic but unhinged, controlled chaos drenched in sunshine. But underneath the joyride energy, there’s an urgency that feels strikingly modern. Echoing Jim Morrison, the band declares, “We’re gonna have our kicks before the whole shithouse goes up in flames.” It’s not nihilism; it’s a call to live while we still can.
The Modbeats—Philip Dunn (vocals, guitar), Scott Matison (bass), Fizz (drums), and Joe Mandia (guitar)—have only been around since 2023, but their impact is already being felt. With features on WXPN’s Power Pop Extravaganza and praise from The Philadelphia Inquirer, Grimy Goods, and Rock at Night, the band is turning heads with a vintage-meets-modern approach that’s both familiar and fresh. Their explosive live shows also earned them a spot on Music Connection’s Hot 100 Live Unsigned Artists and Bands of 2024.
“Frankie” isn’t just a song; it’s an invitation to run wild, fall in love, and drive fast while the world burns slow. Stream it now on all major platforms and get ready for The Modbeats’ debut album dropping September 5. Follow The Modbeats on Instagram and visit their website for more.