The Milk at Shepherd’s Bush Empire

Soulful party-pop band The Milk played a good gig at the Shepherd’s Bush Empire, having spent months promoting their debut album Tales from the Thames Delta, released earlier this year. There can be no doubt that the journey may get repetitive and tiresome for the guys, but it’s hard to notice it when they play live. Their funky blend of Motown and Northern soul has been revamped with a modern sound that gives the music more of an edge.

Opening their set with Hometown, the band was immediately fired up and ready to boost the energy levels of the crowd. The song seemed like the best choice for an opener, as it summed up the band’s overall musical style, but also represented their identity and origins.

Lead singer Rick Nunn was enthusiastic throughout the whole gig, and covered his bases as both a performer and musician, hitting the right notes whilst swinging his guitar around in true rock style.

The crowd really got going during Dynamite; backing vocals by drummer Mitch Ayling and his brother, bassist Luke Ayling, were superb, with both keeping the rhythm section on point and clear.

Even the band’s more hip hop-orientated songs, such as B-Roads went down well, with the audience feeding off the feel-good vibe that seemed to resonate from each member of the band.

Though the formula seemed to work for artists like Bruno Mars, it’s hard to see it lasting; the band could definitely use a wider variety of song structures and topics. Nevertheless, if The Milk can meet the same standards they appeared to possess on this occasion, then the future looks good for the R&B rockers. 

Verdict: •••

Rahul Bahal 

Photos: Dimitris Amvrazis

For more information on the band, visit their official website.

Watch the band perform (All I Wanted Was) Danger here: