The Milk Men seem to have been around forever, and they have been hoovering up award nominations at the Blues Awards and UK Blues for the last few years. Their Milkfest festivals have been massive successes and raised fortunes for charity.
With former Pirate Mike Roberts on drums, Lloyd Green (son of guitar legend Mick Green) on bass guitar, the band was formed by raw-throated blues singer Jamie Smy on vocals and guitarist Adam Norsworthy, also known for his work with blues-scene mainstays Mustangs. This also has guest appearances from Nigel Feist (Blues Harp) & Greg Coulson (Hammond & Piano). The album was mixed by the legendary Wayne Proctor.
Musically, they call their influences from all over – Blues, Rock, touches of Country and even some straight out rock & roll. Bits of Dr Feelgod, elements of ZZ Top.
‘The Milky Way’ seems to have all of their different strands, opening with ‘Waiting For Some Rock & Roll’ – a thumping beat and a fine riff. Fantastic video to accompany the song.
‘Down In The Hole’ is dark, dense, heavy – a long way from their normal fare and a cracking number.
‘Give It Up’ is a terrific number, fast and lively, classic rock & roll with a stunning bassline to boot. I love ‘Jimmy the Weasel’, a fast paced tale about a ne’er do well with some super guitar work from Adam. Then there is ‘Evergreen’, the album closer, a sweet and heartfelt Blues featuring Greg Coulson’s keyboards.
I’ve picked out my favourite tracks but there isn’t any filler here. There is very little waste, and every number tells it’s tale and leaves.
A damn fine album, full of subtleties and out and out belting playing. The Milk Men continue to develop and thrive.
