Single Review: Milo Greene – ‘Lie To Me’
2 min read
In anticipation of the release of their sophomore album Control, Milo Greene continues to release one new track each month until early 2015. The self-described cinematic pop quintet have taken a marked departure from the ethereal folk sound emblematic of their 2012 debut. Lie To Me, the most recent track off Control, embraces a remarkably animated indie-pop sound, reminiscent of the buoyant dance tracks of the 1980s.
The infectious track is centred on the vocal dialogue between band members Robbie Arnett and Marlana Sheetz, with Arnett’s gravelly drawl underpinning the honeyed tones of Sheetz. A stronger focus on percussion and rollicking rhythm encourages incessant foot tapping, while the band’s talent for writing beautiful melodies is still evident in its big singalong moments. While the emotional intensity of their debut seems somewhat lost, in negotiating this hugely different sound the band maintains one of their most distinctive sonic qualities. Familiar four part vocal harmonies and large chucks of backing vocals are injected into the track, and anchor the band’s striking turnaround.
There’s a definite versatility to the group and their song writing, which translates well to this new direction. Both sounds are very good for very different reasons, but I wonder if this huge change in musical direction will leave fans of their debut behind. I have a feeling fans of stunning and poignant tracks like Autumn Tree and 1957 might not be as taken with Milo Greene’s danceable and spirited sophomore effort. It will be interesting to see whether the entirety of Control continues in the same indie-pop vein as its first three leaked tracks. I have no doubt, though, that the band will continue to secure as many new avid listeners with this new identity as those they leave behind.
