What makes Midwest Modesty by Before Their Eyes notable?

Midwest Modesty received positive reception from fans and critics alike, with particular praise for its lyrical depth and production quality. The album’s release helped to revitalize interest in the band, leading to notable performances at various music festivals throughout 2015. Released in early 2015, Midwest Modesty marked Before Their Eyes' return following a three-year hiatus after their previous album, Redemption. This effort was significant as it re-established their presence in the post-hardcore scene, showcasing a matured sound while retaining their signature emotive style.

How many songs are on Midwest Modesty?

Midwest Modesty has 10 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Midwest Modesty

Before Their Eyes · 2015

34 min · 10 tracks · post-hardcore

A blend of emotional intensity and melodic hooks, merging post-hardcore's raw energy with reflective lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Positive and the Negative of Being Alone — This track exemplifies the album's exploration of solitude and emotional struggle, balancing heavy instrumentation with introspective lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners.
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We Won’t Make the Same Mistake Again — The song stands out for its anthemic chorus and themes of redemption, embodying the band's growth while encapsulating their signature sound.
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Midwest Modesty — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's central themes of humility and self-reflection, offering a poignant contrast to the heavier tracks around it.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends energetic post-hardcore with reflective lyrics, but lacks a strong cohesive arc throughout.

What we noticed

The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a high energy level, while the second half introduces more introspective themes and slower tempos.
Several tracks employ layered vocal harmonies, with alternating lead vocals that create a dynamic interplay between singers.
The lyrics often reflect personal struggles and emotional conflicts, which are complemented by melodic hooks in the instrumentation.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

How It Feels to Be Defeated

The narrative shifts from despair to a hint of hopefulness as it contemplates inner strength amidst defeat.

This pivotal transition reflects a deeper understanding of resilience, showcasing lyrical maturity that invites listeners to reflect on their own struggles.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 It’s Dark Inside With You 3:45
2 The Positive and the Negative of Being Alone 3:58
3 We Won’t Make the Same Mistake Again 4:15
4 How It Feels to Be Defeated 3:30
5 Anything’s Possible in New Jersey 4:06
6 Midwest Modesty 2:45
7 A Home With No Ceilings 3:22
8 We Destroyed All the Evidence 3:25
9 Noise 1:31
10 Adam Was a Cool Dude 3:31

What to play next

Go back to

Redemption

2012

Full Before Their Eyes discography Artists like Before Their Eyes

post-hardcore

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata