Review Summary: I don't get out much...
...But if I did, I would probably listen to the
Thrillhouse EP while devotedly consuming a bowl of my favourite cereal. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s time once again to forgo pondering the more pressing issues for a moment and instead focus on what’s
really important, such as doing the laundry, or persevering through your Monday-itis. Three-piece Australian pop punk outfit Milhouse offer an introspective look at the menial side of existence - and have an absolute blast doing it. Vocalist Tom Elder passionately commits his melodious voice to detailing a handful of trivial activities and throwaway thoughts across a mere ten minutes; but that’s all it takes. These somewhat bemusing messages are interwoven with the light-hearted pop punk instrumentation collectively laid down by the trio. Preceded by the immensely enjoyable
Everything’s Coming Up…, 2012’s follow up meets all the expectations one might have.
Retaining the positivity and tasteful humour that cemented the likability of the debut,
THRILLHOUSE could almost serve as a continuation of that album; however, there are noticeable signs of growth. Every member seems to have improved, as has the overall quality of the songwriting. Interesting guitar riffs and hooks bounce around punchy drumming while bassist Dave Drayton commands the lower end of the mix. Although Drayton’s playing is not quite as prominent as it previously has been, it’s just as effective at filling any gaps that appear while retaining the upbeat groove the band are known for. In place of overly-reliant palm muted downstrokes to carry the verses, Elder now varies his guitar performance much more frequently, favouring trebly major chords and singular picked notes, all with a generous dose of overdrive. While Elders lyrics remain just as charming and witty as before, he experiments more broadly with his vocal approach, and the results are impressive. The most notable example occurs during ‘Metaphysics’, in which for the first time across both albums, he manages to sounds forlorn in a few spots before the atmosphere lifts once again and the optimistic mood is reinstated. Additionally, the band previously avoided noticeable choruses, but now they’re much more clearly defined, possibly due to the slightly extended length of the EP. The drumming here also demonstrates a considerable evolution; erratic and interesting, it breaks through the conglomeration of noises and supplies a toe-tapping rhythm for the catchy tunes. How could you not enjoy yourself when
THRILLHOUSE is full of lyrics as cheerful and quirky as “We had a washing not a drying machine, hence the hanging” and “I’m making Monday my new favourite day, an attempt to look forward to really anything.”, or my personal favourite “I don’t get out much, but if I did I would probably eat cereal”. It’s simply difficult
not to let your troubles go and embrace the band’s jovial attitude. What better soundtrack could accompany you’re breakfast meal?
