Hot Milk - I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I'M DEAD (EP Review)
Hot Milk - I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I'M DEAD
Released: September 10, 2021
Lineup:
Han Mee // vocals, guitar
Jim Shaw // vocals, guitar
Tom Paton // bass
Harry Deller // drums
Online:
UK emo/power punk outfit Hot Milk are one of the most exciting breakthrough acts from their side of the world right now. After coming across their song, 'Take My Jacket' randomly on Spotify one day back in 2019, they've become my number one favourite upcoming band within the last two years. While their debut EP Are You Feeling Alive? offered up some infectious as hell pop punk jams, that really was just the beginning of what these guys could do. Led by dual vocalists Han Mee and Jim Shaw, Hot Milk aren't here just to create catchy emo pop for us. It's evident from what we saw from last year's single 'California's Burning' that this four piece are out to make an impact with their music, creating a safe, inclusive space through their tunes with zero fucks given about what others think.
Kicking off is the EP's title track, 'I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I'M DEAD' and it's Hot Milk like we've never heard them before. The hooks are punchier, the chorus spreads a darkness in the band that's yet to be seen and it's worlds away from the poppier tendencies we heard on Are You Feeling Alive? 'Woozy' lures us in with a thumping rock beat, similar in key to new wave punk artists Kennyhoopla and Yungblud. The song is an open letter to those struggling with depression, with that intro riff throwing off big Blink-182 energy. The production on this track is next level for the band though, and will no doubt be a scene highlight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGsYjSXj85s
'The Good Life' sees Hot Milk revisit their early days with an infectious blend of explosive pop punk while channelling a personality inspired by their UK music counterparts. Through this song they're also shedding light on how broken capitalism and society is. The band are welcoming everyone to join them in the ever growing safe space they've created through their outspoken, angsty anthems. But expect to connect with the band on a deeper level than ever before as they soar through that affluent chorus emitting emotions of self-hate on 'I Think I Hate Myself'. If you've been keeping up to date on my posts every time Hot Milk drop a new hit, you'll notice how much I connect to the band's music. These guys just know what the fuck goes through my head!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIbXCKHA1Xw
Saving the best for last is 'Split Personality'. Dropping in with a synthey rock sound reminiscent of Trash Boat and Bring Me the Horizon, this is Hot Milk's most aggressive track to date. The dual vocal dynamic between Han and Jim is unbelievable here, with Jim adding a heavier element that is a first for this emo pop powerhouse. I'd probably go so far to say that this is a big song of the year contender. Huuuge vibes off this one.
Overall, Hot Milk have unleashed the breakthrough they've been waiting for. I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I'M DEAD delivers rowdy punk anthems that keep you hanging on to the final note. If you were expecting the band to stick to the same power pop formula as their first EP, think again. Not ones to stick to one genre or musical style at all, they've produced five of the edgiest songs in the scene this year. They're yet to make that revolutionary anthem for the ages though, but this just might be the band's next challenge. The world really is their oyster now. If you're down for some punchy as heck tunes with a tonne of attitude, look no further than Hot Milk who'll have you sorted.
Hot Milk - I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I'M DEAD EP tracklisting:
- I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I'M DEAD
- Woozy
- The Good Life
- I Think I Hate Myself
- Split Personality
Rating: 9.5/10
I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I'M DEAD is out tomorrow through Music For Nations/Sony Music. Pre-order here
Review By Tamara May @citylightstam
