Originally from Southend, The Milk have been causing a stir among London’s music industry afficionados. It’s not hard to see why their Northern Soul via Motown sound has such appeal. With retromania being all the rage, looking back has already proven successful for the likes of Imelda May,Plan B, Kitty, Daisy & Lewis, and Rumer. So what do we have here then? A four-piece with an affinity for fast beats, horns, and catchy hooks.
They have just announced additional UK Tour dates for November in response to the release of their debut album, ‘Tales from the Thames Delta’, on September 3rd. A single, ‘Chip The Kids’, is also due for release on September 3rd, following radio support across the likes of Zane Lowe, Annie Mac, Rob Da Bank and XFM.
The Milk are lead vocalist Rick Nunn, brothers Mitch and Luke Ayling, and Dan Le Gresley. Together, their sound is obviously heavily soul-influenced, with the passion of rock ‘n’ roll and the fluidity of hip hop. The end result is an eclectic debut album, which they says has been inspired by the taut go-to rhythm sections of The Roots as well as the seamless flow of Beastie Boys’ ‘Paul’s Boutique’ (the band’s favourite record).
Earlier single ‘(All I Wanted Was) Danger’ melds these influences with modern pop sensibilites in a formula which is sure to catch the attention of commercial radio. Our favourite though, is a demo version of reggae hit 54-46 by Toots & The Maytals (below) – the signature bounce this time coming from horns and backed by crisp live drums.
words by Daniel Savage
The Milk will be playing Club Academy on November 19th, but you can catch them in Liverpool and Birmingham as well.
August 5 Stockton Stockton Weekender
November 18 Liverpool O2 Academy2*
November 19 Manchester Club Academy*
November 25 Birmingham O2 Academy2*
November 29 London O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
*Tickets are £10 and go onsale Friday 27 July 2012 @ 9AM – www.gigsandtours.com / 0844 811 0051
