Los Angeles – Milo Greene is an LA-based indie pop quintet with not a single member with that name.  (The band created the fictitious character years’ ago to help them approach concert promoters). The group, which includes Robbie Arnett, Graham Fink, Andrew Heringer, Curtis Marrero, and Marlana Sheetz, have changed course with their sophomore album, Control. A darkly synth-pop resonance encompasses the newest effort. Their luminous, 2012 self-titled debut was influenced by 70s soft rock and contemporary indie pop. It exhibited a deep catharsis as well as pastoral and rustic style which led to an incredibly laidback listen from beginning to end.

The unique aspect of Milo Greene is how four of the five members share vocal duties. The most distinctive vocals come from lone female member, Marlana Sheetz, who spoke with Best New Bands a few months ago about the band’s new outlook. However, the rest of the members still provide intoxicating and affecting vocals. With the assistance of Joey Waronker (drummer of Beck, Atoms For Peace, R.E.M.) and Jesse Shatkin (Sia, Foster The People, Ellie Goulding), Control is a complete tonal shift from Milo Greene’s previous outing. This time around, the band pushes the envelope with a more buoyant, propulsive sound. Additionally, there is this sense of urgency surrounding the record. The opaque tones alongside the strong lyrical conviction give new life to Milo Greene. In fact, this latest enterprise demonstrates an entirely new image for a band obviously desiring to move forward rather than standing still.

“White Lies,” introduces the album in winning fashion. Right from the get-go, fans will hear, and most of all, feel the difference. While the transformation at first is surprising, the accessibility of settling right into it becomes effortless by the end of the track. Sheetz is on this track and her vocals are smooth and soulful in quality. The song moves at a faster pace than what you might have come to expect from Milo Greene. Succeeding track, “On The Fence,” pushes the band’s soundscape even further. The infectious drumbeat paired up with overlapping vocals by several members is an engaging combo. A downright dance worthy track, “On The Fence” is the catchiest song of Control. “Save Yourself” brings the same rhythmic power as “White Lies.” Like much of the record, it exhibits new musical channels not heard before from Milo Greene. “Heartless” is a beautiful exposition of dreamy vocals, cinematic-pop undertones, and incredible harmonies.

The single, “Lie To Me,” is another gem among an exceptionally assembled album from beginning to end. The spectacular and meticulously produced arrangements are quite celestial in composition. Arnett’s raspy voice paired with Sheetz glossy vocals sounds ravishing as a unit. One of the catchiest tunes on the album, “Lie To Me” is exceedingly well crafted. “When It’s Done” presents a heart-pounding drumbeat and vocals that are substantially formidable. It’s as if Milo Greene is announcing that they’re back with a new way of doing things and if you want to come along on this fast moving train then hop aboard. Where they’re heading remains to be unseen but isn’t that half the fun?

Control ends with the barebones acoustic track, “Royal Blues.” It quietly echoes the likes of Milo Greene’s debut record. This all translates into something haunting and stirring. With murmurs of “oh, oh, ohs,” the band brings the listener in closer than ever before. The contemplative tune expands into richer musical terrain in the last minute allowing the solitary listener to rest their weary mind. Control does just about everything right and sends you off thinking about all that is bordering you.  It’s the proper album to handle the circling circumstances of one’s own passageway from getting from one place to the next, wherever that may be.

Control is out on January 27 via Elektra Records. Milo Greene is embarking on a North American headlining tour starting on February 10.

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Sean Kayden

His father has always been an avid fan of 70s and 80s artists. He introduced Sean at an early age to the likes of many rock groups of that era. In the late 90s, Sean acquired a fondness for the likes of such alternative bands as Smashing Pumpkins, Goo Goo Dolls, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In high school, he gravitated towards artists like Brand New, Saves The Day, and Fall Out Boy. As Sean entered California State University Fullerton, where he earned his BA in Radio/TV/Film, his music taste expanded to the realm of Broken Social Scene, The National, and Death Cab For Cutie. For as long as Sean can remember, he has always had the desire of launching his own stories that would someday be presented through television, film, and print. This form of expression continuously uplifts his spirit. Sean is a certified TRX fitness trainer and teaches group classes as well.

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