It’s a rare, balmy night in this summer of rain and the residents of Dalston are taking full advantage of the clement weather by gathering in the garden area. Unfortunately for the Mancunian lo –fi types, the garden area also has massive tv screens showing Euro 2012 and most people are jumping up and down at what I’m led to believe is a “very exciting match”. Not ideal timing for them to launch their new album, Mostly No
After two slightly dirgey support acts, Milk Maid quietly take to the stage. There are obviously a few of their pals/ girlfriends down the front as knowing looks are exchanged and knowledge of the back catalogue is apparent.
Milk Maid don’t say a lot on stage, and this is a rather subdued crowd but there are some massive riffs popping out of their rattly, American indie –influenced tunes. That’s what stands out for me here. ‘Oh’ is infectious, like The Lilys, only grungier. Single ‘Your Neck Around Mine’ recalls the Pale Saints and ‘Summertime’ would make a great driving montage or road movie theme.
If you didn’t know better, listening to Milk Maid you might think you had found one of the lost bands of the 90s. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but they definitely occupy the same playground as the likes of Mazes and Yuck.