Album art for Hot Milk’s 2023 Release, A Call To The Void
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Hot Milk is a band that has been on my radar ever since the Manchester, England-based punk rockers graced Tito’s at Lollapalooza in 2022. That they are on my radar should be of no surprise to anyone who has followed Betsy and I’s list of artist spotlights. Seeing as pop-punkers that border on emo, from Avril Lavigne to New Found Glory have had place on my playlists since high school the addition of their modern renditions like Charlotte Sands and Hot Milk are only natural.
Which brings me today, one day after the release date of the aforementioned group’s, first, and highly anticipated studio album, A Call to the Void.
Unashamedly Hot Milk
Despite coming 3 EPs and 10 singles after the group coalesced around Han Mee and Jim Shaw in Manchester, England the group’s first full album release is in short, fully, unashamedly, Hot Milk. If, in the past, you have rocked along to songs like Candy Coated Lie$, Glass Spiders, or Wide Awake, then this article is ultimately unnecessary for you. Go listen to the album already. The group covers new group lyrically, but not sound-wise, and for those of you who are already fans, the release is likely a slam dunk.
WELCOME TO THE… HORROR SHOW
The album begins with an opener in WELCOME TO THE… Here the group’s self-professed influence from opener-loving artists like Linkin Park and My Chemical Romance is on full display. However, unlike their lyrical forbearers, Hot Milk’s debut release is a mere 11 songs long, a far cry from The Black Parade and Meteora‘s 14 and 13-song lengths respectively. Overall, the album clocks in at a mere 33 minutes 51 seconds. And to be honest, while it does, ultimately, leave you wanting more, the feeling that there was room for more is inescapable.
Notably WELCOME TO THE… serves as a wonderful tie-in to the album’s first single, HORROR SHOW. While also showcasing the dualistic nature of the group’s two lead singers perfectly.
Speaking of HORROR SHOW, the track is entirely emblematic of why Hot Milk has been compared by Rollingstone to other upcoming pop-punk artist like Kennyhoopla and Charlotte Sands (Artist Spotlight). Here the group builds on previous bopable hits and delivers what is likely to be the album’s most streamed track.
Partying Along
I only say likely, because two tracks later the album’s second single PARTY ON MY DEATHBED screams its way onto the scene. Personally, if I had to pick a favorite track, this would be it. Here, once again, Linkin Park’s influence has reared its head. Flowing from the belting screams of Jim Shaw to Han Mee’s synthesized chorus wrapped with a scrap-rap the number would be perfectly at home in 2003’s nu metal crowds.
To top it off, the group managed to pull that sound off while still managing to keep the sound fresh. A truly fantastic feat that results in the album’s capstone. Layer after Layer, PARTY ON MY DEATHBED excels in excitement. For what could be seen as trying too hard for many bands, I think this act is truly at its best when there is so much going on. Their sound, energy, and identity thrive in the realm of chaos and unlicensed creativity.
Album Thoughts
First and foremost, this release should be an announcement that Han Mee has well and truly arrived. She consistently shows off just how talented she is in nuanced ways. From raucous, powerful choruses (Bloodstream) and delicate verses (Forget Me Not), she is clearly a force to be reckoned with.
While the group is still officially listing Mee and Shaw as co-lead vocalists this album has only solidified my opinion that they truly shine best when Han Mee steps to the forefront.
That isn’t to say Jim Shaw has lost his place. Having produced a largely fantastic, if short, album almost entirely by himself, he has written a perfect resume for himself. With how he has clearly learned to mix genres it would not shock me to see him dabble as a pure producer in the days to come.
Overall, the album neither rips up the rule book nor subverts any conventions of the pop-punk/emo genre, but it is certainly a fun addition to your existential crises’ soundtrack.
I give the effort a solid 7.5/10 and I can say I am eager to see what Hot Milk does next. Hopefully their next effort has a bit more meat and a bit less filler.
Track List
Hot Milk – A Call To The Void track list:
1. WELCOME TO THE…
2. HORROR SHOW
3. BLOODSTREAM
4. PARTY ON MY DEATHBED
5. ALICE COOPER’S POOL HOUSE
6. ZONED OUT
7. OVER YOUR DEAD BODY
8. MIGRAINE
9. BREATHING UNDERWATER
10. AMPHETAMINE (featuring Julian Comeau & Loveless)
11. FORGET ME NOT
Where to see Hot Milk live near Chicago?
Unfortunately, if you are looking to catch Hot Milk live you are largely out of luck. You will either have to wait for further tour announcements or book a flight to Europe. The group is however playing Reading Fest 2023 in the U.K. So, if you were already planning a trip, you should definitely make a point to catch their set.
