Although Milo Greene has never headlined a music festival, the band is certainly the dark horse of this year’s music scene.
In their 2012 self-titled debut album, the group produced an unprecedented sound, noted for their subtle but stirring percussion, dream-like quality of sound and the flowing melodies sung by their four lead vocalists.
With the Jan. 27 release of their second album, “Control,” Milo Greene has reestablished its role as an up-and-coming indie-rock phenomenon.
This arrival also marks a significant shift for the group. Whereas the self-titled album was darker, deeper and full of echoing nostalgia, “Control” promises to be an illumination.
Unlike the softer, melding of voices and sounds that was so evident on the earlier album, the band members each take their turn in the spotlight on the new album, either with vocals or instrumental talent. As a result, the songs on “Control” are more clear and buoyant.
“Control” is a rhythmic masterpiece, with percussionist Curtis Marrero driving its upbeat 80s-synth sound. Many of the new tracks offer a light, airy quality punctuated by the steady drumbeat, creating an overall sensation of surrealism and a drastic departure from the intimate brooding of past material.
“On the Fence” and “White Lies” — two singles off of “Control” — are the epitome of Milo Greene’s new aura. Both memorable and energetic, the songs still maintain a hint of the resonant melancholy that is so characteristic of the band.
Milo Greene has made many significant changes to their sound in the production of “Control,” but the group continues to return to some of their classic techniques.
Just like the band’s self-titled album, “Control” offers a few shorter, predominantly instrumental tracks to break up the complexity of the rest of the vocal-heavy album.
With new elements of percussion and layers of buoyant, entrancing vocals, Milo Greene has lost some of its magic. Missing are some of the many gentle, haunting moments that fans might remember from earlier songs.
While much of the sophomore album is true to the understated excellence of their earlier album, “Control” simply does not match the incredible emotional depth that the band achieved in their debut.
However, this is no reason to lose hope. “Control” finds its redemption in “Parents’ House” — a bitter, ethereal ode to isolation and lost love. Milo Greene flawlessly blends the heart of their first album with the percussion and tone of their second album.
Milo Greene is a remarkable presence on the indie-rock scene, with a mesmerizing ability to create music that simultaneously energizes and soothes. If you can disregard their tendency to take deeply indie photographs and their penchant for interesting facial hair, be sure to give “Control” a chance. Lean back, close your eyes and let Milo take over.
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