MILKSICK, the theatrical punk sensation hailing from Naarm/Melbourne, has unleashed their debut single, “Midas,” accompanied by a mind-bending music video that takes viewers on a psychedelic journey. This unique creation delves into the eerie world of scam emails, phone calls, and texts, transforming a mundane experience into a cacophony of screaming guitars and moody rhythms. Vocalist Sam Birkhead’s personal encounter with a sophisticated scam call serves as the inspiration for the song’s manic and aggressive narrative.
“Midas” is a sonic spectacle that combines doom-laden rhythms, angular guitars, and Birkhead’s distinctive vocals. The song was born out of a spontaneous jam session in the band’s rehearsal space, with the lyrics evolving from a default text on Birkhead’s phone that read, “This is a welcome message.” The resulting composition weaves a tale of scamming intelligence, exploring the increasingly sophisticated methods scammers employ while highlighting their inevitable unraveling when their victims become aware.
As Birkhead recounts his personal encounter with a scam caller posing as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), the song takes on a deeper meaning. The vocalist almost fell victim to the scam, emphasizing the evolving professionalism of scammers in recent years. The lyrics mirror the tension and aggression inherent in these fraudulent encounters, with the music mirroring the escalating nature of the scam call itself.
Complementing the auditory experience, the music video for “Midas” is a psychedelic, retro cult trip crafted by Llama Lab. The visual narrative amplifies the song’s themes, offering viewers a captivating and disorienting glimpse into the twisted promises and surreal world of scam calls. The marriage of music and visuals propels “Midas” into a realm where the auditory and visual elements intertwine seamlessly.
Bursting onto Melbourne’s underground punk scene in 2023, MILKSICK has quickly become a force to be reckoned with. The band, consisting of Sam Birkhead (vox), Young Ha Kim (guitar), Darcy Eddy (guitar), Simon Lowther (bass), and Brae Nicholls (drums), has shared stages with local legends like Batpiss, The Maggie Pills, and Black Bats. “Midas” serves as a bold introduction to MILKSICK’s eccentric, off-kilter punk sound, promising a thrilling journey into their theatrical and rebellious universe.
With “Midas,” MILKSICK delivers a punk anthem that transcends the conventional, transforming a personal encounter with a scam call into a theatrical and rebellious musical odyssey. The band’s ability to fuse intricate storytelling with a unique sonic landscape, accompanied by a visually stunning music video, solidifies MILKSICK’s place as a rising star in the vibrant Melbourne punk scene. “Midas” stands as a testament to the band’s creative prowess and sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting musical journey ahead.
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