MILLY - ‘Your Own Becoming’ review
MILLY by Gilbert Trego
Breathing modern life into the West Coast emo scene are MILLY - a Los Angeles outfit poised to leave their mark with a shoegaze-infused sound. However, their latest album is much more than the reignition of an old flame; it’s a tale of anxiety, unwavering emotions, and the catharsis primary songwriter Brendan Dyer found in its creation.
It’s poetically titled Your Own Becoming, representative of evolving life, a fresh perspective, and a new chapter for the band and its listeners. The first track “Blocked On Everything” nods to the difficulties of navigating real life in an online-dominated society. Towering riffs soar above the skyline, beckoning this huge, full-bodied sound that devours every inch of space.
“Running The Madness” sees less of that space occupied, as MILLY offers respite in levels. The overall tone takes a darker turn as weighty instrumentals enliven Dyer’s introspective lyrics: “How’s this for running the madness? / it’s a deal that you make til it makes you feel so cautious.” The arrangement feels urgent and intentional, with each section developing through unheard qualities and proving that less is sometimes more.
Another particularly heavy moment can be found within “Past The Glow”. Critical yet enchanting, this fifth track swirls in a vortex of contemplation-inducing riffs that are simply inescapable. A real, sad passion haunts this tune, making it one of the album’s strongest.
Despite the reigning gloom, Your Own Becoming contains light-hearted glimpses into the powerful rejuvenation that’s felt in moments of anxiety relief. The album’s lead single “Drip From The Fountain” portrays this through chirpier melodies and an elevated chorus that encourages us to keep pushing on, no matter what. Meanwhile, the eruptive “Spilling Ink” serves as a reminder of how fleeting the tough times can be.
MILLY draws things to a close with the track “Nothing To Learn From.” Splashy hi-hats coat the guitars in a delectable sheen that takes the edge off of Dyer’s sombre lyrics: “I’ve begun to feel/time was never real/I’m so frustrated for all of you and what you do/I’ve got nothing to learn from.” Again, with considered arrangement this final tune feels like a desperate breath through the slog of anxiety.
Your Own Becoming is a vulnerable insight into the travails of a modern-day mentality that so many of us face. Though abstract, the relatability in MILLY’s songwriting is outstanding, while their instrumentals expertly reflect the message. And, beneath the surface, they have refined their sound beyond shoegaze and West Coast emo, canning everything good about the genres and pulling them into the 21st century. MILLY are certainly one to watch.
Your Own Becoming from MILLY is out 28 June via Dangerbird Records and available on all good streaming platforms.
