Marshaltown, Iowa's very own Modern Life Is War are looking to revive a lagging hardcore scene. In a time where passion has been replaced with marketability, these five men seek a more meaningful message to their music. After several promising vinyl releases, the group have returned with their debut full-length for Martyr Records. Aptly titled "My Love. My Way.", this is an album that equally embodies the heart the quintet has and the uncompromising hardcore work ethic they possess.

This is a band that writes from experience and wear their scars for all to see, and the passion and sincerity that shines through their words is captured quite adeptly within this effort. There is a never-ending message of moving beyond the trenches of negativity and hate, as Modern Life Is War seem determined to eschew the ever-growing tendency to encourage violence in favor of a sense of unity and cooperation. Though this theme saturates the album, the band spread their message without resorting to idealistic posi-core exuberance, acknowledging the darker nuances of modern society throughout in stark contrast to the uplifting aura that is otherwise prevalent. Never is this more apparent than on "By The Sea", a moody seizure that finds the group reflecting back on a past of teenage angst and anguish with vibrant clarity as a result of the gang sing-a-longs and Tyler's top-notch percussive blasts. Other strong cuts come in the form of "Clarity", a track that condemns our social woes with resounding tenacity, while the somber depression that is revealed on "First And Ellen" is tragic but ends on a hopeful high-note. The band embellish these themes of agony and redemption with balanced melodic guitars that give way to grittier punk riffage, and Jeff's raw screams accentuate a caustic vocal punch that rests precariously on the brink of choked-up emotion.

"My Love. My Way." is an impassioned look at modern hardcore, one that proves to be successful without succumbing to the inclusion of searing metal riffage or emphatic emo hooks. In that sense the group look to be similar to other like-minded ensembles, and comparisons to The Suicide File or Give Up The Ghost are to be expected. The album is stocked with traditional hardcore anthems that pile up quicker than a New England blizzard and there are few weaknesses shown (aside from the watery vocal distortion that unwittingly mutes "War"). Their full-length debut may not revolutionize the genre, but Modern Life Is War are a reminder of what potential can be found through genuine no-frills hardcore, delivering a refreshing burst of gritty, heartfelt punk that retains a positive message in spite of its abrasive nature.