New Single ‘What Do You Want Me To Say? Out Now

W: Patrick Long

There is a distinct, unapologetic thrill in the resurgence of British guitar music, and East Anglia’s Modern Haze are riding the crest of the wave. Forged in the heart of the region and now capturing the attention of big-city crowds, this indie rock trio—comprising Jack Diggle on lead vocals and guitar, Jake Webb on bass, and Devon Arnold on drums—operates in the captivating space where the ethereal meets the gritty. They blend lush harmonies and smooth guitar tones with an unmistakable, strut-worthy attitude reminiscent of bands like the Arctic Monkeys, Kings of Leon, and The Amazons.

The journey to becoming Modern Haze wasn't without its hurdles. At the start of 2025, the trio faced a massive creative crossroads, making the difficult decision to rebrand due to sharing their old name with multiple other acts. Choosing a new moniker proved surprisingly difficult, but "Modern Haze" ultimately won out, perfectly capturing their sound and the times we live in. They left behind their old identity and formed anew out of the ashes, emerging from the transition stronger, more determined, and more passionate than ever before.

This pivotal era of uncertainty and stepping into the unknown directly inspired their blistering new single, ‘What Do You Want Me To Say?’. The track bursts into life with a roaring guitar riff over thunderous drums, moving from intimate, stripped-back verses to an anthemic chorus. It leans into ambiguity, capturing the emotional weight of closing one chapter and acknowledging that some transitions don't come with closure, only evolution.

When it comes to crafting their music, inspiration hits primary songwriter Jack hardest when he is on the cusp of falling asleep. He often has to make the tough call between getting some rest or getting up to figure out the music in his head, describing it as almost like a visitation. Once the track is down, the trio gets together to layer it up, adding the bass, drums, and harmonies that define their unique sound.

What makes Modern Haze stand out in a crowded landscape is this glorious collision of musical backgrounds, creating what they call an unusual cocktail of influences. Jack grew up on the 2000s indie rock era, channeling the catchy hooks of The Libertines and Oasis. Meanwhile, Devon brings a background steeped in gospel and funk to his drumming, and Jake is an old soul who loves the heavy techniques of players like Geezer Butler. When it comes to dream collaborations, their hit list is long, noting they would love to team up with the likes of Wet Leg, Alex Turner, The Killers, or perhaps pull a Blossoms and get an ’80s star involved.

In a modern music industry often dominated by click tracks and rigid perfection, Modern Haze are proud purists. Their greatest strength is their organic chemistry and ability to feel exactly where the music is going when playing live. They rely entirely on each other, going with the flow to deliver a notoriously tight live set. They view themselves as the ultimate underdogs, completely self-funded with no labels or investors behind them. While some might see their normal day jobs as a weakness that restricts travel, they argue it proves they are real people from real backgrounds, glad to work hard for what they believe in.

Their pre-show routine is refreshingly low-maintenance and free of any diva demands. They simply like to turn up to the venue early, scope it out, get a feel for the room, and get the drinks in, finding that a few pints of Guinness serves as the best band warm-up.

The band is hitting it incredibly hard for the rest of 2026, steadily building their fanbase with new music, more gigs, and further travel than ever before. They are especially excited to be hitting the festival circuit this year, including a Saturday night slot at Northants Rocks, which they won thanks to the votes of their amazing fans. Modern Haze still have a few aces left to play this year, and whether you catch them on a festival stage or in a dark, smoke-filled music bar in Camden on a Saturday night, they are ready to give the crowd a show to remember.