Modern Marriage: Grim Up North

Grim Up North is the debut release from Wirral based Modern Marriage, a band who in a few short years have not only garnered praise for their angular indie pop and rapier wit, but have earned the backing of, courtesy of support slots, for the likes of fellow locals Half Man Half Biscuit, Edgar Jones and the attention of music maverick Alan McGee.

Despite this welcome attention, it’s clear that this three piece are determined to forge their own path, as they reflect upon the mundanity of modern life, and the characters who intrude – all of which feeds into their sound; take opener Terry’s Last Fag, built around an insanely infectious guitar riff, supported by a solid rhythm and a great vocal that references Senior Service (I recall my grandfather used to smoke these), and the greying pallor of poor old Terry. Money! Money! Money! Money! Money! Money! It’s annoying to type, but a great stomping listen, it’s all jaunty, and spikey in the right places with a heavy bass and yelped lyric. Gerry And His Pacemaker snuggles cosily up to the like of HMHB, early Cast even came to mind particularly with the vocal phrasing, the lyrics are brilliant, initially humorous yet belying a darker story utilising local geographical connections, a trick neatly used on Speke Now (Or Forever Hold Your Peace) as the barbed lyric condemns an un-named city politician. Sadly, there have been so many in the area it is hard to know quite who the target is, but there is a Court case approaching and I would hazard a guess Modern Marriage have their sights on at least one of the individuals in the dock.

Blue Red and Yellow… Maybe is almost template northern indie; that’s not a criticism, I’m drawn into the familiarity, the instant intimacy, the energy levels are raised, the drums are urgent, the honesty within the lyric is warm and those backing vocals soar – plus any song that includes the line “I’ll follow you ‘round B&Q, humorously whistling Husker Du” is a tough invite to decline!

Lobster Pot doesn’t disguise the target of the band’s ire; former elected Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson. For none locals The Lobster Pot is a celebrated chain of city centre fast food takeaways that are open into the very early hours; Anderson, due to his apparent fondness for a carb heavy diet is ‘affectionately’ known as “chippy tits” to the region’s residents. Cuddly Joe is awaiting trial on charges of bribery and misconduct – I am sure he will delight to this raucous gem, its frantic, and rolls along with its own chaotic energy, yet with a clever sophistication and sharp wit.

IKEA Flatpack is a standout, drawing heavily on additional strings that give the track a joyful almost celebratory feel in sharp contrast to the stark lyric, its inclusion here is as diverse as it is engaging.

This is an album brimming with character, the bands personality shines out, as they capture the essence of living in a northern city in the 2026, their daily battles, the injustices – Modern Marriage have crafted a layered album that rewards repeated listens… if only the lyric sheet on the CD edition was bigger!!

Modern Marriage online:

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Modern Marriage: Grim Up North – album review