:: Modern Life Is War - My Love. My Way

Modern Life Is War

Although Marshalltown (Iowa) based melodic hardcore act Modern Life Is War is still a relatively underground act in the eyes of many. The level of success and respect within the hardcore scene the band has achieved since their inception (2002) has been nothing short of inspiring, especially given the mass marketability of hardcore these days. With the overwhelming success of the band’s 2005 sophomore effort ‘Witness’, Deathwish Inc. (In conjunction with the band themselves) has decided to re-release Modern Life Is War’s ‘My Love. My Way.’, which finally gives fans the opportunity to once again pick up the band’s long out of print and highly regarded debut. Released in 2003 (Initially through Martyr Records, before quickly disappearing from print), ‘My Love. My Way.’ isn’t what you would call a groundbreaking release in hardcore terms for Modern Life Is War, but where it did excel and win many over was the band’s obvious passion, commitment and sincerity for the genre. From the moment the slow burning ‘Breaking The Cycle’ begins, the most immediately likeable aspect of the band’s sound is huge wall of sound from the guitarists (John Eich and the now departed Matt Hoffman). There’s a warmth to the tones, and a crushing effect in their delivery, something which is somewhat lacking in most hardcore productions.
Apart from the sound, it’s the band’s songwriting ability that really shines for the most part, with the absence of obvious breakdowns and the epic song structures that feature a slightly progressive edge (Such as in the powerful ‘By The Sea’ and ‘A Tale Of Two Cities’) that prove that hardcore can be so much more. Elsewhere, Jeffry Eaton’s impressive vocal performance (Both screamed and shouted) and delivery of the lyrics provide another strong aspect of Modern Life Is War’s overall sound, with the venomous ‘Late Bloomers’, ‘Clarity’, the anthem like ‘Self Preservation’ and groove based ‘First And Ellen’ all standing out as favourites. Apart from its redesigned packaging and remastered sound, the re-release of ‘My Love. My Way.’ also boasts two bonus tracks in ‘Destination: Death Or Better Days’ and ‘Farmer’s Holiday Association’, both of which come from the band’s self-titled E.P. from 2002. If The Hope Conspiracy mixed with Give Up The Ghost sounds appealing, then do yourself a favour and check out Modern Life Is War’s debut.