Review: Hot Milk - 'I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I’M DEAD'

On Friday, September 13^th, Hot Milk released their new EP, I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I’M DEAD. The four-piece band from Manchester, England, released their debut EP, Are You Feeling Alive, in 2019, and has released a few singles since then, including “California Burning” and “Glass Spiders.”

Opening up with the title track, this EP starts with a leading guitar riff. This track was the first one released back in June and has a music video that helps draw you into the story of the lyrics even more. “Woozy” is a shorter song that’s almost relaxing. It makes me want to sit down and just listen to it on repeat for a while. I love the beat in “The Good Life” and the lyrics that go along with it. I particularly like the story-telling in the line “sell yourself for currency to own the shares in this make-believe ecstasy.” The spoken words in the bridge are an inspiring call to action for all those who are pissed off and angry with how this world we’re trapped in runs. One of my favorites on the EP is “I Think I Hate Myself.” This track features a top-notch guitar solo. I like to think that the line “still smokin’, chokin’, am I feeling alive?” is a nod to Hot Milk’s first EP, Are You Feeling Alive and its title track. I JUST WANNA KNOW WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I’M DEAD wraps up with “Split Personality,” my favorite track out of the five. Even though it’s pretty basic, I really like the music video. The chorus would fit in perfectly with the bands in this scene that were popular a decade ago, but Hot Milk is able to put their own twist on it. Both Jim Shaw and Han Mee really put their vocals on display here, sounding better than I’ve ever heard them sound before.

Hot Milk is one of my favorite bands, so obviously I was excited for this release. I was blown away by “Split Personality.” That one song singlehandedly makes me want to become an emo kid again. The interaction between Han’s and Jim’s vocals add another dimension to the emotion found throughout the tracks. I can’t wait until the day Hot Milk can finally make it over to tour the US.

Tracklist: