Arriving four months removed from the release of ‘Be Nice’, Milk Teeth have returned with a sequel – ‘Go Away’. Once again, the quartet have produced a short, snappy but infectious EP.

Opener ‘I Stabbed You First’ jumps straight in with Becky Blomfield’s self-analytical lyrics combining with a simple but effective structure. Complimented by a subtle rumbling fuzz, it picks up where ‘Be Nice’ left off. ‘Lillian’ blazes through with a call-and-response chorus from Blomfield and bassist Billy Hutton. Ferocious power chords, craving bass grooves and impactful drum work from Oli Holbrook merely adds to its urgency.

‘Nearby Catfight’ is undoubtedly the highlight on offer. With its Green Day ‘Insomniac’-era guitars and lyrics of awkwardly sitting alone on a crowded bus, drinking to past the time and being poor makes it another Milk Teeth slacker anthem.

While it’s clear that they have honed the art of writing grunge-pop bangers, they still have a tendency to stretch their wings. ‘Big Sky’ is spaciously played out, weaving between distant guitars in the verse before stirring up in the chorus. On the whole, it’s a more refined and richer Milk Teeth we hear on the finale.

When paired with ‘Be Nice’, it is clear to see why Milk Teeth have gained widespread praise since the release of debut LP; ‘Vile Child’. Their evolution shows plenty of potential, yet for the most part, stays rooted to their grunge-esque origins. Nevertheless, there is evidence of confidence growing; Blomfield’s vocals continue to show character, and as a unit, the four-piece sound tighter and more self-assured than before.

Although we’ve had our doubts about Milk Teeth in the past, off the back of two thoroughly consistent EPs, our expectations for their second full-length have certainly risen.

3/5

‘Go Away’ EP by Milk Teeth is out now on Roadrunner Records.

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Words by Sêan Reid (@SeanReid86)