The band, originally called Luglo Slugs, was founded by guitarist/vocalist Alix Plain (real name Alex Johnson) and bassist Danny Hampson, later joined by drummer Dave Hardbattle. The Luglo Slugs lineup recorded "Benched Down/70s Sixties" at Open Eye Studios in Liverpool. Soon after the recording, Hardbattle left. Guitarist Ged Allen and drummer Joey McKechnie joined, and the band eventually decided on the name Modern Eon. The Open Eye recording was released under the name Modern Eon in late 1978 on the compilation album Street to Street: A Liverpool Album.
After one self-released EP, Pieces, released on Eon Records in 1979, they recorded the single "Euthenics" for Inevitable Records in 1980. Allen and McKechnie left the band in 1980, prior to the recording of their debut album, and were replaced by Bob Wakelin (strings, vocals, percussion) and Tim Lever (guitar, saxophone), with Cliff Hewitt (drums) joining shortly thereafter.
In early 1981, a rerecorded version of "Euthenics" was released as a single on Dindisc followed by two more singles, "Child's Play" and "Mechanic". Fiction Tales was released in mid 1981 to lukewarm reviews, citing disappointment at six of the twelve songs on the album already being released as singles or B sides. Later reviews were more positive. After a tour was arranged that year, drummer Hewitt critically injured his wrist, forcing them to go on tour using Hewitt's drum playing on a tape machine. Modern Eon dissolved by the end of 1981 while working on demos for a second album, which was never released.
Lever later played with Dead or Alive, while Hewitt was a member of Apollo 440. Alex pursued an electronic/dub music project under the name Che/St. Che. Bob Wakelin had a career as an illustrator for video game covers, notably for Ocean Software. He died in January 2018.
In 2021, both Alex Johnson and Cliff Hewitt were featured on the album "Guano Junction" by The Gong Farmers.
- Fan website
- Facebook group where some of the band members are active
Second Still
Modern Eon Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hold out but there's no way of being what I want to be
Dragons blow fire angels fly spirits wither in the air
I'm just me I can't deny I'm neither here, there nor anywhere
Oh you should see my trail of disgrace,
it's enough to scare the whole human race
Oh you should see my trail of disgrace,
I don't care about this life, they say there'll be another one
defeatist attitude I know will you be sorry when I've gone
Primitive painters are ships floating on an empty sea
gathering in galleries were stallions of imagery
Oh you should see my trail of disgrace,
it's enough to scare the whole human race
Oh you should see my trail of disgrace,
it's enough to scare the whole human race
The lyrics to Modern Eon's song "Second Still" convey a sense of longing and alienation. The singer wishes their life could be as strange and exciting as a conspiracy, but feels trapped and unable to be who they want to be. The imagery in the song is dark and fantastical, with dragons breathing fire and spirits withering in the air. The singer feels like they don't belong anywhere and has a defeatist attitude towards life, believing that there will be another one after this one. The line about "primitive painters" suggests a belief in the power of art to capture the human spirit and convey emotions that can't be expressed in words.
Overall, "Second Still" seems to be about the struggle to find meaning and identity in a confusing and chaotic world. The singer feels disconnected from society and unable to fully express themselves, which creates a "trail of disgrace" that scares the whole human race. The song is a powerful and evocative expression of the human condition, capturing the sense of dislocation and despair that many people feel in their lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I just wish my life could be as strange as a conspiracy
I desire an unusual life, akin to a secretive plan that involves manipulation or deceit.
I hold out but there's no way of being what I want to be
I persist in pursuing my desires but realize that it's impossible to become what I envision.
Dragons blow fire angels fly spirits wither in the air
My imagination entertains mythical creatures and the supernatural, while at the same time acknowledging the transience of life.
I'm just me I can't deny I'm neither here, there nor anywhere
Acknowledging my existence, but unable to define my identity or place in the world.
Oh you should see my trail of disgrace,
Expressing the idea that the person being addressed should witness the humiliation and discredit that they have endured.
it's enough to scare the whole human race
Suggests that the actions of the singer may terrify or alarm the entirety of humanity.
I don't care about this life, they say there'll be another one
The singer suggests that there is a lack of concern for their current existence, as they believe in the possibility of reincarnation or an afterlife.
defeatist attitude I know will you be sorry when I've gone
The artist acknowledges their pessimistic outlook, and questions whether others will regret their negative behavior and attitude once they pass away.
Primitive painters are ships floating on an empty sea
Comparing artists who lack traditional training to vessels that navigate a vast and unknown expanse.
gathering in galleries were stallions of imagery
Conveying the idea of artwork being collected and displayed, like majestic horses that are owned and presented by their owners.
Contributed by Aiden Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.