There’s something compelling about a band returning to familiar territory with a fresh perspective. For Austrian trio zeronic, 'Modernism' marks a new chapter after years away, bringing together the guitar-led immediacy of their earlier work with the experience and perspective gained in the intervening years.
Across ten tracks, the album moves between direct, energetic rock and more expansive moments, balancing melodic hooks with a reflective edge. Focus track ‘Heads Down’ captures the tension of modern life particularly well, pairing restless guitars with a sense of being caught in the constant rush of everyday existence. Elsewhere, ‘The Hope and the Enemy’ brings a more intense energy, while ‘A String of Luck’ offers a brighter counterpoint.
Rather than chasing nostalgia, 'Modernism' feels like an attempt to reconnect with what made zeronic tick in the first place, without ignoring how much has changed. Its themes of disconnection, uncertainty and the search for something meaningful feel especially relevant, but the band keep the music grounded in strong melodies and an accessible rock sound.
For a group with roots in Austria’s alternative scene of the 1990s, Modernism is less about revisiting the past than finding a way forward. It’s a welcome return from a band with unfinished business.
Stream the full collection below
