Bizarrely, this review starts with me reflecting upon a cold evening I spent in London’s happening borough of Camden, February just gone. Milk were approaching the end of what had been a phenomenal headline set to a packed out Jazz Cafe, during which they had spoiled us with all the fan favourites as well as songs from their brilliant new EP. They really did play everything. So naturally, when the inevitable final song call arrived, I was left scratching my head genuinely baffled as to what on earth they had left to play.
It transpired that what they had left was a brand new song. It was called ‘Don’t Miss It’ and it was completely brilliant.
Obviously, with the track being unreleased I haven’t been able to listen to it since and as the band didn’t announce the release until the 24th April I didn’t know if I ever would again. So it should come as no surprise to hear that upon hearing the news I became like a small child at Christmas and I am delighted to say it is one of my favourite presents.
Milk have always been cool to me. Since stumbling across them a couple of years ago they have had this unrivalled ability to scratch a very specific musical itch.
Their production is somehow relentlessly intricate but also glasslike and always easy on the ear. Their lyricism is thoughtful and intelligent but never fails to be catchy and hook like when needed.
All of these traits are present and more in ‘Don’t Miss It’.
A spritely acoustic guitar gives the track a spaniel like enthusiasm from the off and the lead guitar is equally keen to rear its head and cement the track as one of the biggest grin makers of the year.
Add to this, some drums and a bass line equally riddled with intent, a chorus written to be screamed at the top of one’s lungs and a healthy drizzle of Milk’s signature production style and you have one of my favourite tracks from one of my favourite bands.
I think it’s fair to say that Milk don’t often dabble in head bangers. Super slick, atmospheric mid tempo numbers sure, but not necessarily head bangers and I think I’ve made it plain that I love them for it. That said, it does make this most recent foray into the old school indie banger all the more exciting even if for no other reason than they do it oh so well.
Written by Iwan Grant
