Four-piece, Dublin-based, alternative pop band, Milk., have just released their third EP London. The group consisting of Mark Mckenna (vocals/rhythm guitar), Conor Gorman (lead guitar), Conor King (bass), and Morgan Wilson (drums), continue to explore and experiment with synths and electronics from their previous release 2, the EP. The band has gained major attraction here in Ireland, aiding in the success of Irish music both here and abroad. On this latest release, the boys attempt a new sound by exploring new genres and fusing it with their signature electric synths.
The EP kicks off with the self-titled track London. This vibrant and upbeat track tackles the profound realisation that the globe is far larger than humanity or anything it has ever accomplished. “Tell me what you know about living with the feeling that you’re insignificant. I’m only asking cause I can’t get rid of it” Mckenna sings over a pulsing base and an electrifying mixture of instrumentals. Milk. has maintained its stimulating and magnetic sound that has circulated throughout each project, but with this release, it has become intensified. It was a promising start for the group.
Following that we have I Think I Lost My Number Can I Have Yours? a track that tackles identity struggles and self-purpose. The boys decide to strip the signature electric sound back and instead take a more relaxed and acoustic approach. On this track, Milk. venture out of their comfort zones and concoct a new genre of modern country folk, a growing trend we have seen from bands such as The 1975, Slow Pulp and Boy Genius, just to name a few. It’s terrific to see a unique and distinctive musical genre become popularised and recognised once again. Soft acoustic guitars and harshly plucked banjo strings play alongside a steady rhythmic drum as McKenna sings “Can someone with an opinion give it to me? And dictate what I say, I’m made up, I’m pastiche” It is without a doubt that The 1975 has influenced Milk’s sound throughout their discography, as Mckenna even expresses that they have “…no fear in pushing the boundaries not only in production but music as a whole. Something I strive to achieve.”
The boys return to their bubbly and twinkly futuristic sound with the track Human Contact. The song expresses the need for company and the sensation of being but not truly living. When listening to the track, I couldn’t help but think that this was inspired by the events of COVID-19. I was instantly reminded of the torturous years of the pandemic and its restrictions, knowing that everyone is experiencing this universally yet alone at the same time. The track encapsulates this trapped feeling with a rhythmic melody that plays on a loop, accompanied by the signature The 1975-sounding electric guitar. “I’ve lost track of the days of the week, Like the world I was blue from the start, Know the cracks in my room off by heart”.
The EP comes to a lively end with our final track I Might Bore You. The track consists of snappy lyrics, whiny electric guitars, and fast-paced beats and unleashes powerful experimental glitchy electrics. McKenna’s lyrical craft shines through on this track as he maintains a concise lyrical structure of just three or four words in each sentence. “Drink for effect, Think for myself, I might bore you, I might bore you” is a powerful end to yet another successful EP from Milk.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Milk. branch out of their comfort zone to explore the thriving country genre whilst modifying their signature sound. Milk. is in their own lane when it comes to the Irish music scene, and this latest release has just made that even clearer. I hope to see the release of their first full-length album in the future so that Milk. can continue to explore their potential new sound and maintain their impact on the ever-growing Irish music scene.
You can listen to London on all music streaming platforms.
