The Modbeats try to get inside the heads of The Passers-Bye with their thoughtful new retro-pop single — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The New Jersey rock quartet’s latest release is a intriguing reflection on the routine nature of modern society. The track challenges listeners to consider the inner lives of those we pass daily; are they lost in thought, chasing ambition, or simply existing without question?
Co-written with J. Vincent Vassallo and featuring The Gaslight Anthem’s Bryan Haring on piano, The Passers-Bye explores the everyday movements of people from all walks of life. The Modbeats pose a thought-provoking question: “What is really going on in the minds of regular people just moving about their business? Perhaps there is nothing there, but maybe there is? For some, there is bliss in not questioning anything or perhaps wanting more or thinking deeper about life… just being a passerby.”
Described by the band as a collection of “musings and observations of daily life in the modern world,” the track took shape at Lake House Studio in Asbury Park. As the lyrics and soundscape fell into place, it became clear they had something special. Engineered by Nick Semanchik and featuring Santo Rizzollo on drums, the song came to life with a rich, moody intensity. Drawing inspiration from English rock bands like The Kinks and Oasis, the song’s chord progressions contribute to its rich, layered sound, seamlessly blending vintage influences with a modern perspective.
With a bridge inspired by The Doors, The Passers-Bye carries an overarching darkness, particularly in its introspective midsection. Lines like, “The passersby don’t blink their eyes / When on the way to the nine to five… The passersby never wonder why” challenge listeners to break free from autopilot and consider the why behind their daily routines.
The Modbeats first got together in 2023, when Scott Matison (bass), Fizz (drums), Joe Mandia (guitar) and Philip Dunn (vocals, guitar) decided to begin recording original music. With foundations in rock ’n’ roll and mod, and dashes of surf, jangle-pop, power-pop, folk, psychedelic, blues, rockabilly, alt-country and soul, The Modbeats beautifully capture the essence of revival rock, adding their own unique twist. They have quickly carved a path in the music scene, making waves with the singles Ballad Of A Starving Artist, Fairweather Friends and The Setting Sons.
Check out The Passers-Bye above, hear more from The Modbeats below and find them on their website and Instagram.
