ALBUM REVIEW: Hot Milk - A Call To The Void
To Be Released 25th August via Music For Nations.
Manchester made, pop-rock, Genre-blurring metalcore band Hot Milk are set to release their epic- long awaited for debut album. Formed in 2018 The band has quickly gained traction and leaps performing at Download Festival and Lollapalooza & Supporting industry giants such as Foo Fighters and You Me At Six and even making fast successes overseas in America.
A very important aspect of this album is produced by the band's very own Jim Shaw, much like the previously recorded singles and EPs that have allowed the band to keep freedom, integrity and ownership. Impressively, the Album has been on the road with them, jumping from Manchester, Los Angeles and Stockholm.
A Call To The Void Opens with a beautiful introductory track “Welcome To The…” featuring beautiful calm whirling of synths and sirens panning left and right before Jims vocals address an ode, whilst Han’s vocals slowly creep in… “Am I the Darkness?” before the track snuffs out immediately and jumps head first into “Horror Show” Enters with the revving of guitars set-back in the mix as synth creates anticipation before a burst comes to the forefront shocking the listener before toning-down again for the first verse. The main theme weaves in and out. This first track feels like a triumphant introduction but also a warning for what’s about to come within the album. “...I’ve fallen in love with the otherside. Horror show so stay away…” It’s also a review of the internal cogs and how one views themselves and warns others.
The next song “Bloodstream”, opens with delightful pop-rock synth veneer, verses filled with positive nihilism and melodic choruses that will have stadiums singing back. It is an anthem to those letting go of toxic people or behaviours but also sees the short term thrills and temporary positivity. It is a catchy song for certain, so addictive that it will flow through your own bloodstream. I love the synth that constantly pulsates in the background as well as the large percussive bassier drums that replicate that of blood pumping, the smaller details really add to the concept of the track.
“Party On My Deathbed” takes modern metalcore infused with rap and nu-metal styles, opening with chaos and delving deeper into it with every lyric. The live-life-to-the-full aesthetic shakes hands with grim reaper in this song, which makes it the ideal emo pop-punk anthem. I love the heavier guitar tones, screaming vocals and synth screeches that really get the adrenaline coursing!
“Migraine” reaches all new heavier depths, turning it up on intensity, pace, depth, everything, so much so I can hardly keep up with it! Upon my first analysis, I felt that Hotmilk were moving in the same direction as Bad Omens. There's such strong intensity in peaks and peace and relatability within the drops. I definitely put them in the same folder in my mind, although different, the mechanics and writing are of similar vein, I feel. I adore the ending of this track, “Ow got a bloody ‘eadache now, ‘Elp me Jim” really brings the album home with Han Mee’s strong Yorkshire accent, a charming humorous addition to finalise the track.
Amphetamine (feat. Julian Comeau of Loveless) is a notable track I’d like to comment on, this feels like classic HotMilk from the Candy Coated Lie$ era, very playful pop-punk roots, bright guitars, with a bassy undertone. This feels a lot lighter than previous tracks. I love the infusion of trance synths that give it the larger-than-life-feel. The entwining of vocals are serene and the higher ranger of Julian Comeau is the perfect cherry on top of this cake.
Finally the album ends with, “Forget Me Not” A little more melancholic in nature, this track really strips to the basics of piano before building up its grand gestures. It’s very poetic and emotive, a commemorative piece and a loving farewell. It feels too short and my heart aches for that little bit more.
Overall, a solid album, Hot Milk has definitely stepped out beyond comforts to a new level to show the world what they are made of. I think the modern listeners are in the same boat as Hotmilk, especially in describing life and politics because without this kind of music, where light meets dark and laughing along with the band, we’d cry at the serious stuff too.
It’s a balance. Realistic to life, both light hearted yet full of struggles. It’s a cathartic piece of art. The production is so clean and beyond depths I can describe, I can hear details but I can't put into words how grand it is, and I repeat myself when I say that my heart aches just for a little bit more of the album.
As a fan for a few years and seeing their growth in such a short time, it’s so rewarding as does all the patience and anticipation felt like this album was nowhere close to dropping. Having an opportunity to review it has been quite surreal and a privilege. The whole album overwhelmed me as I felt victory for the band for their long-awaited release and as a fan it’s a gift to be given this album and all these new relatable depths that they explore. It’s heavier, grander, brash and way more impactful than before.
They are a band made for everyone….
Absolutely brilliant.
