With Essex currently renowned for showcasing….

everything that is bad about the current social climate in Britain every night on ITV2, it would be quite a relief if something that doesn’t have to be abbreviated to be understood could arise from the somewhat stereotyped county. Welcome The Milk, with a band name that doesn’t scream revolutionary – more cows’ nipples than number 1 album – you would be a fool to judge this book by its cover. Defined as ‘pop’ on iTunes (the easy way out) hip-hop, motown, soul and rock and roll are all ticked off the list, resulting in a pretty complicated sound, complicated in a good way however, as I would take my hat off to anyone that can throw all these genre’s into a track and come out with something that doesn’t sound like a primary school Music lesson.

[pullquote] This is a debut album that isn’t just intelligent, it is a complete album[/pullquote]

            Broke up the Family starts off the record and you’re immediately hit with the juxtaposition of texture; Rick Nunn’s understanding voice melts itself around the gritty music, smooth on rough, Nunn on grit, 3 words that have never been said before. The song goes on to set a high bar for the rest of the album, a ridiculously catchy chorus complete with a Kings Of Leon – Charmer Scream, and a quick indiscrete ‘Mother Fucker’ to conclude. Hometown continues the high quality genre bash this time stirring up the soul, and you really begin to witness the impossible, as if genre is being redefined inside of your ears.

However, track 3, Danger (All I Wanted was…), begins a lull in order, with the band beginning to crossing the narrow line between redefining all these genres, and sounding like a drifters tribute band. You can’t help but feel the track is a bit try-hard. The lull begins to turn into a ditch with Mr Motivator and Nothing but Matter drearing underwhelmingly past. Backing vocal ‘ooooh’s’ set of Motown Tribute band alarms, and although Nothing but Matter tickles the underbelly of Reggae, interesting is no longer enough.

Fortunately, it’s single time again and B-roads arrives, smashing up the joint an overdue dose of hip-hop, the lyrics still aren’t revolutionary, but the music is!  And the lack of backing vocals is certainly a welcome relief; Nunn’s voice is showcased yet again and with every little roar becomes a tad more hypnotising. The outro maintains the high standard, offering a bit of electro on the genre buffet table which is Tales from the Thames Delta, sounding something like an outer space quiz show theme tune.

The first note of Kimmi wouldn’t be out of place on a Queen record, then the intro begins and you can’t help but wait for Damien Marley to open. The versatility is unreal. However, the track becomes incredibly repetitive, and if Kimmi doesn’t learn to watch her back I’ll make her regret it! Picking up the Pieces is a song you expect to do well, the lyrics are pretty conventional, brimming on sympathetic, and the repetition returns, making me almost offer to write a few lines myself. I suppose it works though, minimal lyrics, maximum musical umph.

Anytime We Fight is the band’s latest single, and a particular favourite of mine; the song really showcases everything good about The Milk, tinges of echo and even a triangle riff almost personify the song making it something special. Speed and volume are explored thoroughly, magnifying the potential that The Milk has. Chip the Kids continues the good form, and although I don’t really understand the verb in the title the song remains pretty relatable to. This is soon to be the bands newest single, and if I’d written it: I’d release it too.

[pullquote]this music is revolutionary[/pullquote]

The final track is a typical romantic farewell, complete with piano and sympathetic lyrics it wouldn’t be out of place on an Elton John album, or being performed on stage by an X factor finalist. It reveals that The Milk can also do cheese, which is a must in every successful band nowadays (if that’s a big enough advantage for you?)

            This is a debut album that isn’t just intelligent, it is a complete album, a trait that isn’t that common. Although there are definitely a few disappointments along the way, there’s more than a few little gems. The sheer volume and umph of the band guarantee a great live show, and nowadays if you’re good at that, success is just around the corner. After 10 out of 10 reviews from V festival The Milk have recently announced their first full on nationwide tour. I’d recommend seeing them now whilst the tickets are around the ten quid mark (LINK: http://www.thisisthemilk.com/#live) because this music is revolutionary, and it won’t be long until this band are filling out Arena’s.