Modern Life Is War

Item: Witness
Author: Chaz Murphy

Witness

(2005)

Reviewed by Chaz Murphy

Discogs Bandcamp Apple Music TIDAL Spotify YouTube Music

Label DeathwishDecapolisAugust 2005

hardcore post-hardcore

Somewhere between the lands of hardcore, punk rock, and real emo lies Modern Life Is War. I really have a hard time finding the words to describe this album. Usually reviews come to me in no time but I've been working on this one for days now. I just don't think I could write a review that could match or convey the power of this album. It will be on the top of my list for albums of the year but I can't really tell you why. It's not catchy, it's not extremely technical, there aren't any good sing alongs or mosh parts. I will say this, it's one of the most heartfelt albums I have ever heard. The vocals remind me of the vocals from Hot Cross (and hot cross is one of my favorite bands) but I can't pin point the music. Maybe it's not supposed to be. For the genres that surrounds it, it's extremely artistic and it's a stretch for each genre so maybe it surrounds the genres instead of it being surrounded by the genres. It transcends the styles, labels and scenes.
It's great to hear a band that is incredibly original but also passionate and sincere. It's amazing when I hear an album and I can find each song as amazing and original as the one before it. I haven't felt this way since I heard Hot Cross "Cryonics". MLIS has sent a new standard for me when it comes to giving an album four stars.

4/4