Hey, music lovers! Ready to dive into a track that’s as soul-stirring as it is timeless? San Francisco’s psych-rock quartet Casa Del Sol dropped “Love In A Time Of War” on March 26, 2025, as the latest single from their debut album Strange Angels, and this adult contemporary, indie folk, and Americana gem is a soaring meditation on love amidst chaos. Inspired by frontman John “Mad Johnny” Modell’s experience of his son’s birth and the humanitarian work of World Central Kitchen, this song is a powerful reminder of resilience in turbulent times. Let’s explore why this one’s a must-listen!
The Sound and the Story
“Love In A Time Of War” is Casa Del Sol at their most cinematic, blending indie folk’s introspective warmth with Americana’s rootsy depth and a touch of adult contemporary polish. The track opens with gently twanging guitars and a mellow shuffle of drums, setting a folk-rock foundation that feels like a nod to the ‘60s and ‘70s—think Bob Dylan’s poetic storytelling meets the gospel-soul of The Band. Swirling rock ‘n’ roll gospel organ and lyrical lead guitar add a psychedelic haze, while Modell’s sweetly weary vocals carry a weight of lived experience, reflecting on the duality of beauty and turmoil. The arrangement builds into a powerful, uplifting arc, with nuanced rhythm section interplay from drummer Wally Ingram, bassist Mike DiPirro, and keyboardist Mighty Dave Pellicciaro, creating a sound that’s both intimate and expansive, perfect for a reflective listen or a communal singalong.
The song’s origin story is as moving as its sound. Modell wrote it on the day his son Dylan was born in the mid-’90s, a moment of profound contrast—witnessing the miracle of life while grappling with the world’s cynicism. Covered in blood, he ran to a payphone to sing the melody into his answering machine, capturing the raw emotion of that day. Three decades later, on Dylan’s 30th birthday, Casa Del Sol recorded the track with Dylan in the studio, a full-circle moment that adds a layer of cosmic synchronicity. Modell’s inspiration evolved with today’s crises—Ukraine, Gaza, environmental disasters—drawing parallels to the work of World Central Kitchen, whose acts of love in wartime echo the song’s message: even in chaos, love endures. This blend of personal and universal themes makes the track resonate deeply, as Modell notes, “The best art is always made in times of turmoil.”
Indie folk and Americana are thriving in 2025, with artists like those featured in Songpickr’s 2024 playlists (e.g., Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms) keeping the genres alive with heartfelt storytelling. “Love In A Time Of War” fits right in, its psych-folk roots aligning with the cinematic, socially-conscious vibe of Casa Del Sol’s Strange Angels, which dropped in January 2025. The album’s “turn on, tune in, drop out” ethos, designed for a full sit-down listen, has been celebrated for its diverse influences—psychedelia, soul, rock—and this single captures that spirit, making it a perfect fit for playlists like Spotify’s Indie Folk Essentials or Apple Music’s Americana, where similar tracks have been gaining traction. Check it out below—the visualizer’s got a striking, evocative aesthetic that matches the song’s depth.
Find the Light and Share Your Sound
“Love In A Time Of War” by Casa Del Sol is a psych-folk ballad that finds hope in chaos—a track that blends indie folk, Americana, and adult contemporary into a soaring ode to resilience. If this one’s got you inspired to drop your own tunes, DistroKid’s the way to go. Get your music out there, and with this link—https://distrokid.com/vip/seven/2058328—you’ll snag 7% off your membership. It’s a dope deal to join the folk wave. So, what’s “Love In A Time Of War” stirring up for you? Drop a comment—I’m stoked to hear if it’s got you feeling as much as it’s got me!
