I think it’s pretty generally accepted that EVR’s catalog is almost entirely shite.

That said, I don’t typically go in for stuff like this, but they have a bluntness and groove about them that gives them a real unique sound.

Circa Survive, the Color Fred… MLIW and Bane are about the GOOD releases from Equal Vision, overall EVR’s catalog is whiny pop-emo garbage. Its no wonder the reviewer didn’t like this album if that is the type of music that he is praising.

Listen to the lyrics of the title track or Humble Streets.

it might not be classic… but its better than Coheed & Cambria or whatever else EVR is putting out.

1. The song stagger lee is based off of a blues song. I feel like the lyrics were written to reflect that. I dont really understand how you could bash them, the lyrics are pretty bluesy to me but not so bluesy that its not punk. In my opinion mliw did a great job of making that song their own.

2.You are right the album isnt as bad as you make it out to be. It not bad at all. The album flows great, the guitar tracks are incredible (The way the band uses both of the guitars and very little over dubbing). The record also has a lot of variety of tempos and intensities the make it very interesting to listen to.

3. I’m tired of people arguing over what the music should be labeled instead of just trying to listen to the music. I’m tired of people using the word “Heavy” to describe music.

No, they don’t really do the breakdown shtick. There are plenty of crappy, generic hardcore bands out there doing that already.

No, Midnight In America may not be a “masterpiece” and no, it may not be “the most passionate and intense hardcore available for consumption by the public,” but such is the language of a press release.

You also imply that I don’t know anything about hardcore and, thus, shouldn’t review it? Wow. Even though much “old school” hardcore music is very melodic, this album is devoid of melody as well as any other elements I’d look for in a good hardcore record.

You also state that “every band” has “important messages” in their music. Not necessarily so. MLIW may have something to say and that may appeal to younger listeners with less discerning tastes, but it does nothing for me.

I think it is great that you can comment and interact via the comments on this blog. Anyone that reads this blog would also know that 99.9% of the reviews I’ve ever written are positive. When the press release for an album is as misleading as this one, I just have to call someone out on it.