Album Review: Milk St. - 'V3RMONT'

Northeast emo band Milk St. releases ornate and poignant sophomore release, V3RMONT.

For bands such as Milk St., their sound and start in the scene is an interesting one. Releasing an LP titled Spaced in 2022, this unique indie-punk band drenched in mid-west emo nostalgia would set a different kind of tone with their way of intermingling the genres together, leading to their new experience V3RMONT. A concept album portraying the personal coming-of-age tale of Jonah Wakefield following a band change and psychedelic experiences, V3RMONT takes Milk St. in a new direction.

V3RMONT is one of those few experiences that combines the best of emo and math rock, while still maintaining its originality and charm. Evoking a sense of nostalgia, exceptional instrumentation, and bringing a unique creative approach to songwriting to the table, V3RMONT stands out as both emotional and complex.

Starting with beautifully crafted, full-bodied acoustic-punk guitar riffs and nostalgic midwest-tinged vocals, "Peyote" and "V3RMONT" take us on a journey of self-reflection, something that gorgeously expands within each song experience.

One of the most remarkable moments on V3RMONT is "I Collect Records (To Cope With My Crippling Mental Illness)." The track combines ethereal sounds, sunset acoustic guitar elements, and vocal echoes to create a dream-like experience that truly stands out on the record.

Songs like "Free Acid" and "Cycles" continue to creatively keep an otherworldly vibe that Milk St. has created with their mind-expansive lyricism, twilight guitars, and melodic percussive cadence before reaching the augmented finale, "China Town."

An ornamented conclusion of raw guitars, punchy drums, pianos, and other delicate nature sounds, "China Town" creates a luxurious NorthEast emo masterpiece to finish off an already intriguing listening experience.

V3RMONT is one of those few experiences that combines the best of emo and math rock, while still maintaining its originality and charm. Evoking a sense of nostalgia, exceptional instrumentation, and bringing a unique creative approach to songwriting to the table, V3RMONT stands out as both emotional and complex, making it a must-listen for those who are fans of the genre.