The Calling
Mint 400, 2020
9/10
A long running and highly respected outfit from New Jersey, Dylan Clark has been the heart and soul of The Milwaukees since day one, though lead guitarist Jeff Nordstedt has been around for 20 years now. This 6th album has the band doing what they do best, i.e. delivering one memorable and heartfelt guitar rock tune after another, where names like Tom Petty, Paul Westerberg, Craig Finn and even Matthew Caws come to mind.
“No Way Out” starts the album on a very high note with its driving guitar work, anthemic chorus and gritty yet melodic presence that’s part modern rock, part punk and part indie-rock, and “Wild Heart” follows with a calmer approach, where strong singing and restrained musicianship remind us of early Goo Goo Dolls with a gym membership.
In the middle, “Falling” pushes and pulls with emotive and rhythmic tension amid the mid-tempo climate, while “Our Blues” certainly hints at the blues both musically and lyrically with a poetic, soulful approach, “Proud Of Me”, the album highlight, then picks the pace into charged rock’n’roll territory with a sing-along chorus that’s the quintessential bar rocker.
Near the end, the punk spirited “Burn & Shame” moves with all the hallmarks of late period The Replacements, which of course no one could be disappointed with, and the title track finishes out the listen initially in piano balladry before building into a fuller, dynamic exit that’s pure power and melody.
Now with new drummer Austin Faxon as well as bassist Donovan Cain, who’s been in the band since 2007, handling the rhythm section, The Milwaukees again prove why they’ve lasted longer than most of their peers, and why, 20+ years later, their songs resonate so well. These guys just love to write authentic and sincere rock tunes that sound as great today as they will 30 years from now.
Travels well with: The Gaslight Anthem- The ‘59 Sound; The Hold Steady- Stay Positive