Midnight in America
Modern Life is War is continuing to accomplish what most hardcore bands are failing to do; departing from conventions.
Midnight in America is an ideal follow-up to the band’s 2005 release,
Witness, only faster and more pissed off. Vocalist Jeffrey Eaton still outshines most lyricists of today with his detailed dirges about failed dreams and not wanting to become one of those “Baby-faced veterans and factory men singing the same jukebox songs with bottles stuck to their lips” in “Humble Streets”. There is also a rendition of “Stagger Lee”, a song that has been played by numerous musicians from all genres, including but not limited to
The Clash,
Taj Mahal, and
Mississippi John Hurt. The age-old song is done in a slowburn style that builds the tension as the story of this murderous man is told.
“These Mad Dogs of Glory” shouts out Jeffrey’s musical and literary influences such as
Joe Strummer,
Sylvia Plath, and
Hunter S. Thompson with a gang-vocal chorus. “Fuck the Sex Pistols” is a ballsy song title that someone had to come up with and it doesn’t surprise me in the least that
MLIW would be the ones to tip over this (unfortunate) sacred cow. It’s the most straight-up angry song on the album and makes for a fun live experience.
So if you can’t find yourself getting into any hardcore because of the tough-guy images and repetitive songs that are normally associated with it, check out
Midnight in America. Not only will it open you up to a new take on the genre, but you will more than likely find yourself identifying with the messages within.
