LIVE REVIEW: Hot Milk @ O2 Academy Islington, London
It’s an unseasonably warm evening in Islington as we make our way to the final evening of fast-rising pop-punk stars HOT MILK‘s tour celebrating the release of their latest EP, I Just Wanna Know What Happens When I’m Dead. With a curated lineup of DELAIRE THE LIAR and DOLL SKIN supporting, it’s looking to be a raucous evening of punk energy and inclusivity.
It’s an unfortunate expectation that the opening band has the smallest crowd, with punters turning up usually only for the headliner and maybe the main support. Happily, that’s not the case tonight as there’s still a reasonable crowd in attendance for DELAIRE THE LIAR. Their alt rock is emotional and sees a stirring reaction, even with the slower numbers that might otherwise be an odd choice for an opening band who may usually put their most energetic foot forward. Their passion is admirable and easily wins them the crowd and some new fans.
Rating: 7/10
Taking to the stage a full half hour after the advertised stage time, there was a wonder if DOLL SKIN would even play tonight. From the moment they take the stage, their high octane punk rock is enthralling. Calls to jump are very quickly answered in first song Don’t Cross My Path, the jagged edges of their sound barely tempered by anthemic choruses. The riff to third song Eat Shit sounds eerily familiar to MICHAEL JACKSON‘s Beat It and it’s jarring, to say the least; the disconnect between it and the cries of “Shut! Up! Eat! Shit!” of the chorus almost details them entirely. Fortunately it’s followed by the stomping Outta My Mind, which is dedicated to being proud of overcoming hurdles in life. There’s a self-deprecating and quick witted humour to their between-song patter that’s endearing and it gives their honest punk rock even more heart (“Megan [drummer] lost her kick pedal. She’s in kick pedal jail”). They end their set on the high note of Punch A Nazi that goes down a storm – it’s not exactly a sentiment any sane person would disagree with.
Rating: 8/10
The loudest cheers and singalongs are reserved – naturally – for HOT MILK. The opening trio of I Just Wanna Know What Happens When I’m Dead, Wide Awake and Candy Coated Lies sends the crowd into even more of a frenzy, with the singalong to the latter threatening to drown out the band. Their love of being on stage is palpable; even during the brutally honest I Think I Hate Myself there’s an overwhelming sense of community and togetherness. The pop-punk-meets-trap of California’s Burning opens dancing pits and they drop a mid set cover of BLUR’s Song 2 that keeps the pit going with its raucous energy. It sets up The Good Life near perfectly; despite it being a new song that’s only just come out, most already know the words and sing it back loudly, just like with Woozy.
One thing HOT MILK have always stressed is the importance of community and togetherness, something they try to create through their music. Tonight it’s clear how much that, along with their honesty both in and between songs, resonates with people with the band fighting back tears in a slowed down, emotionally charged June Gloom. It might be the last night of tour but HOT MILK treat it like the first; bounding across the stage, playing like their lives depend on it and basking in the glow of an adoring crowd. Their charisma and showmanship shines through the tour exhaustion and makes tonight a triumph and celebration of finding community and catharsis in music.
Rating: 9/10
Check out our extensive photo gallery of the night’s action in London from Jordan Darby Photography here:
