Chicago’s own Attack the Sound has spent the last five years carving out a distinct place in the indie R&B and Chi-Pop landscape, blending elements of jazz, soul, and contemporary pop into something uniquely their own. Their 2020 single Love Is War became an instant favorite, not only among fans but also within the industry, earning critical acclaim and winning Best in Show at the Midwest Film Festival for its visually stunning short film counterpart, Love:WAR. Now, on February 14, 2025, Attack the Sound returns to celebrate the milestone anniversary of this iconic track with their latest project, Love Is War: Packed—a six-track EP that breathes new life into the song that helped define their journey.
The EP isn’t just a re-release; it’s an evolution. Each track on Love Is War: Packed takes a different approach to the original, expanding its sonic identity across genres while staying true to the core emotion that made the song so powerful. From an electrifying house version to a stripped-down acoustic rendition, and even a Chicago Juke-infused rework, the project is a showcase of the band’s ability to adapt, innovate, and elevate their sound.
“We wanted to honor the past while embracing the present,” says Davo Sounds, the founder of Attack the Sound. “Love Is War has been such a defining piece of our story, and this EP is our way of saying thank you to our fans. It’s a reminder of where we started and how much we’ve grown.”
The project kicks off with the original Love Is War, a song that remains as compelling as ever. Its rich instrumentation, heartfelt lyricism, and cinematic composition set the foundation for the variations that follow. The Love Is War House Version transforms the track into a dancefloor anthem, infusing pulsating beats and deep grooves that amplify the song’s emotional intensity while making it impossible to sit still.
For those who appreciate raw vulnerability, the Love Is War – Acoustic version strips everything down to its core, allowing the melody and vocals to take center stage. It’s a stunning reinterpretation that highlights the song’s lyrical depth, making it feel even more intimate and personal. Similarly, the Love Is War (Acapella) track showcases Attack the Sound’s vocal prowess, layering harmonies in a way that turns the song into a mesmerizing, choir-like experience.
Perhaps the most adventurous rework is Love Is War – Chicago Juke, a high-energy, footwork-inspired twist that pays homage to the city’s rich dance music culture. Attack the Sound has always taken pride in their Chicago roots, and this version is a testament to the city’s influence on their artistry. By embracing the rapid-fire rhythms and intricate percussive elements of Juke music, they push their signature style into unexpected territory, proving their ability to thrive in multiple sonic landscapes.
Closing out the EP is Love Is War (Sing-A-Long), a playful and interactive rendition designed to bring listeners into the experience. Whether performed live or streamed in a car full of friends, this version turns the song into a communal moment, reinforcing the message that Love Is War isn’t just Attack the Sound’s story—it belongs to everyone who’s ever connected with it.
Beyond the music itself, Love Is War: Packed serves as a testament to Attack the Sound’s relentless creativity and commitment to their craft. Over the past five years, they’ve made major strides in the industry, sharing stages with artists like Isaiah Sharkey, Bianca Shaw, Taylor Bennett, and JC Brooks, while performing at prestigious events such as Taste of Chicago, North by North East, and the International Festival of Life. Their genre-blurring approach has earned them recognition beyond their home city, helping them secure a sync deal with Winding Way Records and land among the top 20,000 bands worldwide—a remarkable feat for an independent act.
With this EP, Attack the Sound isn’t just celebrating the past; they’re setting the stage for what’s next. Their ability to reinvent and reimagine their own work speaks to a larger artistic vision—one that continues to evolve without losing sight of its roots. Love Is War: Packed is more than just a nostalgic re-release; it’s a statement of growth, versatility, and appreciation for the journey.
For long-time fans, this EP serves as a heartfelt tribute to a song that has stood the test of time. For new listeners, it’s the perfect introduction to a band that refuses to be confined to a single genre. Either way, one thing is certain—Attack the Sound isn’t just making music; they’re crafting experiences. And if Love Is War: Packed is any indication of what’s to come, the next chapter in their story is sure to be just as electrifying.
