It is said that there are no actual universal experiences. Still, music tends to counter that notion, and Modern Wildlife has expertly crafted a sonic landscape that encapsulates the ebbs and flows of life. Their new record, ‘Cost of Living,’ symbolizes human emotions with all of their nuances. Their music sits somewhere between grunge rock and shoegaze, utilizing their pedalboards to their fullest potential. The fuzzy guitars scratch the surface of the band’s sonic exploration. It is evident from the first few seconds that this band feels what they perform. Get ready for some deep introspection, though, as some of these songs have the power to trigger an existential crisis the likes of Muse fans would know all too well.

The record opener, “Another Place,” tells us everything we need to know to prepare for the LP’s journey as a listener. Beginning with guitar feedback was a genius choice, as this would be a heavy theme throughout the rest of the tracks. Plus, the bass playing in these songs is phenomenal, with “Another Place” serving as an “I told you so” moment for the group from the jump. Lyrically, the song suggests that perhaps escapism is the best way to avoid your heaviest feelings, but maybe Modern Wildlife is trying to convince themselves that, too. “Another Place” was the right choice for an album opener. Recording live drums was the right choice for this mix, but they get lost in the song’s pleasantly eclectic arrangement. However, the drummer’s performance in the song is lovely work.

“Particles” eliminates the drum issue, as it sits perfectly where it’s supposed to within the mix. This song has one of the catchiest hooks in the whole LP; it’s enough to get stuck in your head for the foreseeable future. Modern Wildlife has done an impressively creative way to express their innermost thoughts poetically, rather than going utterly pessimistic on everyone. They assert that moving forward is the best way to go, despite how challenging it may feel sometimes.

As the record continues, “Paper Moons” explores more genre diversity while fitting perfectly within the rest of the vibes. Vocal ranges are also explored, hitting some falsetto packed full of potential. The song is surprisingly reminiscent of Radiohead, but similarly, that entire era where songs were recorded as live performances. This creative choice allowed the group to be as expressive with their performance as possible, culminating in true magic. The group uses quite a bit of that specific Radiohead energy, but they could also squeeze themselves into indie-rock scenes as they borrow a bit from The Strokes. The guitar solo at the bridge is phenomenal, and whoever mixed these guitar parts did an impeccable job of capturing their raw beauty.

“Ins & Outs” is where things get a bit more Strokes-y. It is always fascinating to hear where artists got their sound, who inspired them, and how they incorporate that inspiration into their work. One could argue that independent artists should receive more focus from the public, as they are the ones who are pushing boundaries to establish themselves without comparison. This haunting track uses fascinating techniques to create a build that serves as the flow for the rest of the album. It’s a very transitional piece, audibly engaging listeners with the story of the record. You can listen to these songs individually, but “Ins & Outs” proves that the LP is better consumed as an entire sum of its parts.

Next, “IYKYK” discusses social constructs guided by a Doors-y bass line. This grittier track showcases Modern Wildlife’s punkier side; it’s not difficult to imagine a mosh pit being opened to this song, with enthusiastic concertgoers expressing their love for the band. Lyrics like those found within “IYKYK” are potent enough to generate diehard fans. It’s one thing to tell a story through songs, but it’s another entirely to express genuine, raw feelings that many can relate to.

“Cold New Light” goes back to that indie-rock era, using a punchy guitar riff to introduce the track before becoming more melodic and moving. The song then flows like water, allowing cinematic emergence to take over. One lyric can capture the song: “Auto-pilot takes me gently down the stream.” The whole thing has a very watery energy, even as the chorus is significantly angrier than the verses. This is my favorite song on the album!

I have always been a big fan of interludes, and “Cellophane Flowers” is no exception. This gorgeous climactic masterpiece perfectly transitions into the record’s closing themes.

“Guardians of Sleep” is a shorter ballad, but it is not dull due to its slow pace. The dynamic performance stands out here, showcasing what Modern Wildlife is best at. They are incredible storytellers who convey emotions so clearly you can feel them as you listen to each song.

Next, “Keep It To Yourself” serves as the album’s mission statement. Listeners who feel torn between expressing themselves and keeping it to themselves can find comfort in this song, realizing there is no natural “easy way out.” There’s a stunning guitar riff at around the 1:30 mark, utilizing more guitar effects to contrast some other sonic choices throughout other songs. Guitar enthusiasts can pick apart each element, but Modern Wildlife understands how effects build upon each other to develop a recognizable signature guitar style. The song's outro could only be described as “twinkly,” an omnipresent force guiding listeners to the end of the record.

Speaking on relatable themes, “Mergers & Acquisitions” plays on the term ‘Cost of Living.’ The first lyric tells you everything you need to know: “Truth is elusive.” However, we aren’t focused on the physical dollar; we look at business practices despite what the title might suggest. Instead, we consider it a “currency of the mind.” These clever turns of phrase not only make for great lyrics but help within the song’s composition. The lead vocal was able to carry the word “more” intentionally, moving in a way that only makes sense within the context of the rest of the song. Little nuances are an incredible facet of music that often go unnoticed, but when it hits—it hits!

Finally, “Up To The Top” rounds everything out seamlessly. After ebbing and flowing through almost every human emotion possible, “Up To The Top” slows us down, almost patting listeners on the back for participating. This song touches on the shoegaze-y features of the A-side. However, all great artists have incredible B-sides that should not be neglected, and Modern Wildlife is no exception to this rule. This song includes standout lead vocals that scratch that lower register nicely like an itch in the brain, a bass line that moves with the rest of the song, perfectly mixed drums, and fantastic guitar work that makes a pedalboard feel like a magic wand. A featured vocal adds extra ambiance to the vibey psychedelic anthem to drive the performance home.

Modern Wildlife has written a profoundly profound record that has the power to push them through indie scenes. These expert songwriters have a knack for composition, granting audiences the gift of sonic bliss as they experience every emotion under the sun. ‘Cost of Living’ isn’t expensive; sitting through 42 minutes of expert craftsmanship is a pure joy.