Hailing from Perth, Blackmilk are a psychedelic rock band who combine pop, melody, a bluesy swagger and a smattering of psychedelic for a throwback yet distinctly modern sound – a story which admittedly sounds very familiar.
Let’s address the (literal) elephant in the room by saying that while there are some uncanny similarities between Blackmilk and that other psych-rock juggernaut from Perth, their sound is not derivative.
In Lak’ech instead throws back to the sounds of the 60s, when psychadelic rock wasn’t necessarily about digital effects or studio trickery, but rather an atmosphere and air around a record.
That’s not to say that Blackmilk don’t indulge in a little technical wizardry from time to time on In Lak’ech, however generally this album feels very much the product of a live four-piece rock outfit, even when a synthesiser is screeching over the top of the band.
Opening track ‘In Lak’ech’ sets the mood immediately with the vintage tone of its guitars and immersive atmosphere.
The drumming is particularly memorable as it draws more influence from modern day hip-hop DJs such as DJ Shadow and the Avalanches than it does classic rock and roll.
Other noteworthy tracks include ‘The Prospector’, which opens with a Beatles-eque pop melody, before diving into a soft-rock ballad prominently featuring strings; reminiscent of Diorama era Silverchair.
Yet ultimately, while most tracks on In Lak’ech are solid, Blackmilk flaunt their influences a little too proudly and seem to be living in the shadow of their predecessors, struggling to find a unique voice they can call their own.
