MILBURN
They're mates of the Arctic Monkeys and you can't deny there's something of a resemblance there. The dilaect, the social observation. The songs that are clearly written from experience. And not forgetting the sharp sartorial presence. But don't take the comparison too far. Milburn are their own band.
The guitars are crisp
I caught them live at Nottingham's Rescue Rooms recently and was very impressed indeed. The guitars are crisp, jangly and melodic. They write perfectly constructed pop songs about life and love. There are lines about relationships - “pass me a book and I‘ll read you a sonnet girl…. you‘ve got to realise that she‘s indifferent” (“Cheshire Cat Smile”) and “I'm sorry to tell ya, the spies have all seen yer, Yeah they got your number, that night in December” (“December”). And the dodgy mates - “he gets it all from his father‘s blood, he used to be a casual as casual as they come” (“Brewster”). Then there's my favourite of their lines in the railing at pretension - “The book that you're reading is upside down” (“Showroom”).
I personally can't stop listening
They have had two singles out so far - “Send In The Boys” and the aforementioned “Cheshire Cat Smile”. Both are excellent, and I personally can't stop listening to the second. There's an album out in September. For those who can't wait, there are a number of eps out there on ebay if you try hard enough. If you don't have success, you can find some top drawer videos on You Tube. Go on. Do it. Rob Massey