Modern Life Is War

Following up their universally acclaimed sophomore release, Witness, Modern Life Is War have strayed more than a little bit from the emotionally taught, cathartic sound they’re best known for but are undeniably carving out their own niche. Midnight In America is, at its core, a blues record, an influence vaguely hinted at previously but expanded to epic proportions here. Incorporating folksy, distinctly Americana-inspired chord progressions and sludgier groove, the Black Flag and American Nightmare influences have taken a backseat to a more relaxed, languishing tone, although with no less venomous vocals. A rich, convincingly analog production allows the soulful delivery to snake its tendrils around the listener — even the more upbeat material positively drips with conviction and swampy menace. While they may alienate some of their original fan base, those interested in seeing a strong progression from one of the finest hardcore bands of our era would do well to soak this one in.