The Modern Alibi Experience

Modern Alibi - photo credits Aspen Guse (11/15/25)

Modern Alibi, an indie alt-rock band out of Charlotte, North Carolina, is more than a band but an experience in itself. I started listening to MA in 2023 around the time of the Silver Spoon- single release and recently had the pleasure of finally seeing them live for the first time opening for I Don’t Know How But They Found Me on Friday, November 14, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. 

From stage presence to lyrical imagery to intriguing and hypnotizing instrumentals, these boys do everything but disappoint. Their skills with crowd engagement and the passion they hold for their craft is evident to see in every move made on stage to add to the experience that is Modern Alibi.

Even through headphones these four young men present a melodic masterpiece in their debut album (including most of their prior EP and singles) American Radio. Personally my favorite track out of the 12 has to be 'Taste It'. It paints a portrait of social analysis of today's youth, at least in my interpretation, by portraying a girl sneaking out to lose herself in the whims of lust in the first verse. Followed by the chorus which stays the same for the first two runs. “Save my soul and baby, don't you waste it. Take my heart and baby violate it. All the kids, heavily medicated. Oh wont you taste it.” The phrasing of “All the kids heavily medicated,” helps us infer from the subject of the first verse is using lust to fill a numbness. The second verse supports this as well with claims of “You wanna smoke the days away in California, you wanna change your ways, what a shame you’re still the same.” Reflecting the way one may see themselves as lesser because of their problems, aim for progress, yet still view themselves as falling short of what appear to be clear goals. Returning back to the chorus, only this time it seems to be a cry for help. Changing the meaning of heavily medicated from a more psychiatric meaning to a substance meaning. The repetition of the phrase “Taste it,” at the end of each chorus, to me seems like wanting to taste success and control over your own life. Instead of a third verse, the chorus slows down and plays through one time before returning to its original tempo changing “All the kids,” to, “All my friends,” which I see as a way of reclaiming one's identity and coming to terms with the fact that everyone is a little messed up and “medicating” in one way or another, but even through struggles success can be reached. This may not be how the band originally intended the song to be interpreted, or it might, we would have to ask them. What I can say for sure is whatever portrait this song illustrates for each reader has a powerful image. 

‘Taste It’ is only one example of the front man, Holden Scott’s, incredible way with words and creating a story and picture backed by a melody formed by himself and bandmates. Carter Ritz (lead guitar), Josh King (Bass), and Christian Sturt (Drums) work together to build worlds of sound through strong baselines, fast beats and intricate solos. ‘Taste It’ was also written with Sloane Letourneau who was the bands original lead guitarist before he decided to focus on his country music career leaving the band in 2024. 

Overall, Modern Alibi has grown exponentially since their debut in the scene with strong reasoning behind their success. Through their joint passion for the craft, they have created something really special in the Carolina music scene. I hope to see more of them soon.

Follow the band on Instagram @modernalibi

Written by ROXAS (BONES) GALLAGHER - Writer/Founder