Having achieved massive success on the continent, German duo Milky Chance now have their sights on the UK and Ireland. They could make an impression: their debut album is certainly accessible enough. And Milky Chance know how to write a hit. ‘Down By The River’ is one of those tunes in which the entire song is essentially one big chorus. Overall, however, the band’s folksy approach errs on the side of predictability and, on occasion, the Jamaican inflections in singer Clemens Reihbens accent strike an unconvincing note.
I hope I am not being unfair, but my own sense is that Milky Chance are trying too hard to be a Kings of Leon-style stadium band. To these ears, they are at their most interesting when less obvious, as on the ska-inflected ‘Sweet Sun’. More of that next time, please.
OUT NOW.