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maltatoday | SUNDAY • 21 JULY 2024 2 MUSIC The Rifffs are back to talk about modern society THE Rifffs are back! Originally formed in 1979, The Rifffs man- aged to capture the imagination of the Maltese youth culture of that time by actively performing around the Island as well as se- curing a record deal with a UK independent record company, 'Alternative Music'. This cul- minated in the release of one of the most influential Maltese records of the early 80s, 'Dance Music for the 80's Depression' which is still a local favourite till this day. Fast forward 45 years , the band are still treating their fans to exiting news. Following their return to the music scene with two full length music albums 'Moonstomp' and 'Can't Stop the People' as well as a string of singles including a featured track with the leg- endary Neville Staple from The Specials, the Rifffs are back with a new single called 'Modern So- ciety'. Front man of the Rifffs , Ray Mercieca explained "It's almost like we are time travelers from a different time yet we are not. We are still part of this modern society struggling to fit in. Our song modern society is just a window of what some of us see in everyday life. Some good but a lot of bad and terrible sadness. Modern society is it imitation or reality? Is it fake political insan- ity? Our world is ever changing extremely fast, but the one thing we are sure of is that one day we will all be saying Goodbye to this world." The Rifffs aren't only part of Malta's music legacy, they are a testament of perseverance through the different trends and time, yet remain to be as rele- vant and fresh till this day. This is quite an achievement for any band let alone a local act. Besides being pioneers of ska music in Malta, the band are also known and respected outside our shores amongst current Ska bands and often referred to as the legend- ary Rifffs featuring in various compilations. 'It was an absolute pleasure working on the new songs in the recording studio and now I can't wait for everyone to hear them. I've been working with Ray Mer- cieca, lead singer and song-writ- er for The Rifffs as well as 'The characters' fame, for nearly 30 years. We have a chemistry in the studio and having pro- duced the other 2 albums I can honestly say this is some of best work from the Rifffs. The band and current line up are on fire. Ray's voice is in top form and the songs he's writing are pure music gems." said music produc- er Howard Keith from Jagged House Music Company. The new single 'Modern So- ciety' will be accompanied by a music video which was directed by Matthew James and filmed by Ricky Bugeja and Matthew James. The video contrasts the old ways with the new ways, appreciating the pros of both realities while being aware of the cons. Matthew James, who's also an integral part of the Rifffs both as a performer as well as a creative, added "A special thanks goes to Ivy House for providing the great cinematic venue as well as the audience and Rifffs fans, some of whom can be seen in the music video. ' The Rifffs are currently work- ing on their 3rd album and will not be performing as yet. They are currently preparing more singles to follow as well as the new album which will coincide with touring again in prestigious festivals in Europe as they've done already in previous years. The Rifffs will hit the stage again in 2025 with the anticipation of their 3rd album. Modern Society is out on all their social platforms.