Reviews

Midnight In America

Modern Life Is War

Released: Aug 21, 2007
Label: Equal Vision Records
Reviewed by: Ian Lashbrook
5 comments

What to say about Modern Life is War? Well, if you liked their last record, Witness, you'll get down with this one. While a bit of the speed has dropped off on Midnight in America, the intensity and production have been amped way up. Producer J. Robbins has captured this band perfectly with a raw, direct approach that helps to paint the picture of desperate desolation that the music so intimately expresses. Most producers like to give artists a clean canvas. Robbins presented Jeffrey Eaton and Co. with the side of a dilapidated building and two cans of spray paint, one white and one black. What erupts from the speakers in response is a heartfelt slab of rock n roll depression spiked with a swagger that oozes confrontation.

And confrontation is front and center throughout this release. From the title of the record to MLIW's take on the Stagger Lee myth in track three, Eaton isn't pointing fingers, he's simply fed up. The claustrophobia that breathed life into Witness tracks like "Marshalltown" and "I'm Not Ready" has been overcome and replaced with action; these guys aren't sitting down and fuming, they're standing up and shouting. And therein lies the progression of the band. Their mix of intense darkness and neck-wringing lyrics has turned a corner and I'm not sure anyone would want to run into the beast they've become.

Of course, this is a four star review and so there must be some sort of complaint. It's simple; the dudes blow their load too soon. If the balls-to-the-wall approach managed to maintain itself for the duration of the album, this would be a masterpiece...but, unfortunately, it just doesn't. Despite this minor complaint, the rest of the record really does continue to add to the fine legacy that MLIW has been building. Between their fantastic recorded output and their rumored life-changing live performances, I think the next thing we hear from Modern Life is War will be a true staple of the hardcore genre. I'm sick of hearing all this Gallows shit, check out Modern Life is War.

Fuck

yeah.