Casa Del Sol Reflects on Finding Beauty Amidst Chaos in New Single “Love In The Time Of War”

A Deeply Personal Song Written on the Day of John Modell’s Firstborn Son’s Birth Takes on New Meaning in Today’s World

Casa Del Sol, the cinematic, socially-conscious psych-rock quartet, continues its journey with the release of “Love In The Time Of War,” the latest single from their debut album Strange Angels. Accompanied by a striking new visualizer, the song offers a moving meditation on love, resilience, and the coexistence of beauty and turmoil in the world.

For frontman John “Mad Johnny” Modell, this song is profoundly personal. Written on the day his first son Dylan was born, Modell recalls the moment with striking clarity: “His birth was difficult—he was a ten-pounder—but after the smoke cleared, I knew I had witnessed something miraculous. By that point in my life, I had become a bit cynical after learning how the world works. But there I was, seeing life begin in front of me. Afterwards, I ran across the street to get some food for his mom, still covered in blood, and in that moment of contrast—between this deli, where life carried on as usual, and the miracle I had just witnessed—the song literally downloaded into my head. I had to run to a payphone and sing it into my answering machine so I wouldn’t forget it.”

Three decades later, Casa Del Sol unknowingly recorded the song on Dylan’s 30th birthday—with Dylan himself present in the studio—giving it an unexpected full-circle moment. What began as a reflection on witnessing both darkness and light in the same breath took on new meaning in today’s world. As Modell watched organizations like José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen risk their lives to provide food and aid to those affected by war and natural disasters, he was reminded of the song’s core message: even in the midst of turmoil, love and resilience endure.

With its soaring rock & roll gospel organ, lyrical lead guitar, and Modell’s sweetly weary vocals, “Love In The Time Of War” embodies the best of Casa Del Sol’s unique blend of psychedelia, soul, and folk-rock storytelling. The song channels the rich, cinematic textures of the 1960s and 70s, evoking artists who transformed personal experience into timeless reflections on the human condition.

This latest single arrives amid a wave of activity for Casa Del Sol. The band, comprised of Modell, legendary drummer Wally Ingram (Sheryl Crow, Jackson Browne, Bob Weir and Phil Lesh), bassist Mike DiPirro (Bill Kreutzmann, Albany Project), and keyboardist Mighty Dave Pellicciaro (Jackmormons, Materialized), has been gaining momentum following the release of their album Strange Angels. The record, an immersive “turn on, tune in, drop out” listening experience, has been celebrated for its introspective themes and dynamic sonic explorations.

Modell, who spent years navigating both the music industry and his family’s **NFL legacy—helping launch the Baltimore Ravens while simultaneously running his own music and media company—**has always believed in the power of art to illuminate difficult times. “The best art is always made in times of turmoil,” he says. “This song is as relevant today as it was the day it arrived.”