1000mods – ‘Youth of Dissent’: The resistance starts from Χιλιομόδι

We're not just talking about ancient times. The Peloponnese also played a decisive role during the Greek Revolution, since it was from its territory that the movement for liberation began. And since we've made our reference to the Revolution of 1821 (this year marks 200 years since then, in case you hadn't noticed), let's move on to the music. New album from 1000mods. The record titled ‘Youth of Dissent’ came to remind us of the existence of a dissenting youth.

Fourth album in a row for the band

The 'Youth of Dissent' is the fourth record for the mods. Building their path step by step, the band from Χιλιομόδι offers us an album different from the previous ones. Songs of moderate length and excellent sound. This record has a more rock character than stoner. We see the band's will to move towards more riff-oriented sounds than in their previous works.

The 1000mods seem to have gone the extra mile for the recording of this particular record, heading to Seattle. From this, we also understand the orientation of their sound, leaning more towards Nirvana and Soundgarden. After all, they found themselves on the same sacred soil! The band stayed a whole month in America. Despite the significant amount of time, the result vindicates them. Mainly for the atmosphere created by the record, a fact that is also part of the work of producer Matt Bayles.

On the music

The sound of the 'Youth of Dissent’ is quite peculiar and fairly different from what we've grown used to from the band. It's American in style again, but it's no longer leaning Desert Hard Rock / Stoner. It tends more towards grunge rhythms. The tempo on the tracks is clearly faster. The drums are considerably more complex, now featuring many changes. The bass has a very strong and steady role. The guitars, meanwhile, have left behind their thick, hazy and creamy signature tone. They're heavy and distorted, but in a completely different way. This might be the clearest of the grunge elements in the sound.

As we mentioned above, the sound recalls Nirvana, Soundgarden, but also Smashing Pumpkins. To grasp the scope of the 'mutation' in the mods' style, we'd say some songs even touch on Nu Metal.

More riffs in the songs

Another characteristic is the tendency for more riffs in the songs, which fits very well with the melodic vocal lines. And since we're on the subject of the vocals, there's another huge change here too. In place of the intense, gritty voice of the previous records, we now have a clearer, more atmospheric and melodic tone. Don't get me wrong. The grit hasn't disappeared. But it seems to be used more technically, which is a badge of honour for the band's frontman.

As the record goes on you realise that choosing Matt Bayles was ideal for what the band wanted, given that his background with heavier acts in the scene added elements to its sonic palette, giving it the freedom to experiment even further. An example of this is "Dissent" where the drums hit with godly dynamics. The record's real surprise, though, goes by the name "Mirrors". A seven-minute composition that gradually builds, with a very distinctive character. Honestly, this track will cause dizziness live from all the nonstop headbanging.

On the subject matter

The subject matter of 1000mods is clearly more rebellious. The songs breathe that kind of atmosphere. It all comes through in the record's overall style too. The grunge element shows a certain rebelliousness. The album's title is also a sign of this. Drawing on many everyday issues, but also on the past, 1000mods give us a record that's very significant, both for us listeners and for their own musical journey.

Editor's Choice: Dear Herculine

The first thing that needs to be noted is that this is a song about Herculine Barbin, a famous person who lived in 19th century France. Although Herculine was female at birth, she was ultimately legally designated as male. The subject is particularly moving given the global conversation around sexuality and gender identity. Musically, the “Dear Herculine” is a solid rock song, taking its time to tell Herculine's story between the gutsy riff and the guitar solos. It's an excellent sample of the change the band wants to make.

You have the earth, I own the skies
I have the oceans in my eyes
And all the feelings you consume
They cannot reach my soul's perfume

The years went by
They named her Abel
She gave her soul
To all the voices
She was in pain
He couldn't stand it
She put an end
To all his burdens

In conclusion

‘Youth of Dissent’ surprised me in a very special way. I ended up listening to it over and over again! The conclusion is that 1000mods paid huge attention to every last detail of their sound. This shows respect for their craft, but also for every would-be listener. The record has plenty of grunge influences. At this point, the elements pointing to the stoner side of the band's style are a minority. Still, it's clear that this is exactly the sound they had in their heads. This is what they wanted to put out. And they did it. They worked with the right people, and the result they came up with is a sonic delight.

For those of us who got to know the band through ‘Vultures’ and ‘Super Van Vacation’, ‘Youth of Dissent’ looks even more significant. It's a very bold undertaking. It takes the band off the beaten path. On the other hand, it gives the sense that it's not contrived, but that the band followed its musical compass. This way they fed an instinct that pushed them toward a new musical direction.

A work with a new texture

‘Youth of Dissent’ may not resemble the band's previous work, but somehow it's 1000% 1000mods. It pumps out energy, has killer guitars, and everyone sounds improved and gives their utmost on their part. At a particular turning point in their career, the Mods show musical agility and artistic clarity, choosing the next day based on feeling rather than logic, with the result vindicating them. It seems this new grunge look suits them very well.

In the end, is this the true style of 1000mods? It's certainly what they themselves want to hear themselves play today. This is what they'd want us to hear too. Not what someone else would want to hear them play. Pretty ballsy move, if you ask me. They show they're not resting on the audience they've already won over. They want improvement. Uniqueness of style. And in my opinion, they deserve our respect and our musical attention.