Photo Credit: Press
Words: Kayla Kerridge

Manchester’s rising stars Hot Milk have unleashed their second album Corporation P.O.P, a fierce sonic assault that challenges societal norms and pushes musical boundaries. The dynamic duo of Hannah Mee and Jim Shaw deliver a potent blend of punk, metal, and electronic elements, creating an album that stands as a testament to their artistic evolution.

Released via Music For Nations, Corporation P.O.P emerges as a critical voice in today’s rock landscape. The album’s raw energy and unflinching commentary on contemporary issues set it apart from conventional rock releases of 2023. From biting political critique to deeply personal introspection, Hot Milk crafts a narrative that resonates with growing social unrest and individual struggles.

Weaving together aggressive punk metal aesthetics, electronic experimentation, powerful dual vocals and sharp social commentary, Hot Milk‘s latest offering proves they’re not just making music – they’re creating a soundtrack for a generation grappling with unprecedented global challenges.The band’s signature sound emerges from this unique blend, creating an electrifying atmosphere that sets them apart in the contemporary rock landscape.

Their Manchester roots shine through their gritty authenticity and bold artistic choices, while their genre-bending approach demonstrates a fearless commitment to musical exploration. Hot Milk‘s sonic palette ranges from throat-shredding screams to delicate electronic textures, proving their versatility as musicians and their dedication to pushing creative boundaries in the rock scene.

Released through Music For Nations, this ambitious project tackles pressing societal issues head-on, wielding music as a weapon against systemic injustice. The album’s political critique cuts deep across multiple fronts holding sharp commentary on both British and American governance. Through tracks like “Insubordinate Ingerland,” Hot Milk dissects British nationalism with biting satire, while “The American Machine” paints a stark picture of US political turmoil. The band’s dual vocalists, Hannah Mee and Jim Shaw, channel raw emotion into every verse, transforming personal struggles into universal narratives. The human condition takes centre stage in the album’s introspective moments. With tracks exploring themes of personal identity in a fractured world and mental health under societal pressure, “Corporation P.O.P” doesn’t just observe these issues – it screams them into existence through a blend of throat-shredding vocals and contemplative lyrics and unfiltered honesty.

The song “Insubordinate Ingerland” takes a humorous approach to dissecting patriotism, challenging the concept of blind nationalism in present-day Britain. Meanwhile, “The American Machine” shines a spotlight on social injustice, as Hot Milk boldly confronts systemic inequalities and political corruption on both sides of the Atlantic. The album’s exploration of the opioid crisis hits particularly hard in tracks like “Warehouse Salvation,” painting a vivid picture of addiction’s grip on communities.Religious criticism emerges through “Sunburn From Your Bible,” challenging institutional power and exposing hypocrisy. Hot Milk’s portrayal of a crumbling world resonates throughout the album, particularly in “90 Seconds To Midnight.” The song captures collective anxiety about nuclear threats and environmental collapse. Their unflinching examination of political disillusionment speaks to a generation grappling with failed systems and broken promises, delivered through a combination of throat-busting vocals and heavy instrumentals.

Han Mee and Jim Shaw’s contrasting vocal styles create a rich interplay, ranging from clean harmonies to guttural screams.The production values shine through the album’s technical elements, with pristine mixing that allows each component to breathe. Robotic effects and electronic flourishes weave seamlessly with traditional rock instrumentation, while dramatic synth arrangements add atmospheric depth to the compositions.The band’s ability to shift between styles – from rave-inspired electronic sections to metal breakdowns – showcases their musical dexterity. These elements combine to create a sound that’s both modern and nostalgic, pushing boundaries while maintaining accessibility.

Personal standout tracks for me include, ‘90 Seconds To Midnight’, an energetic anthem that perfectly captures the feeling of impending doom in our society. The music video, featuring comedian Frank Skinner, adds an extra layer of excitement to the already memorable track. With its driving beat and passionate vocals, “90 Seconds To Midnight” speaks to the current state of the world while also showcasing Hot Milk‘s talent for creating catchy hooks that are perfect for live performances.

Closing out the album is “Sympathy Symphony,” a powerful and emotionally charged song that showcases Hot Milk‘s heavier side. With its guttural screams and thunderous instrumentation, this track is sure to resonate with fans of metal music. But what sets it apart is its ability to convey vulnerability and introspection amidst all the chaos. “Sympathy Symphony” perfectly encapsulates the album’s exploration of personal struggles and societal issues, with each track representing a different aspect of Hot Milk‘s musical identity.

The band’s growth is evident in their refined songwriting, drawing comparisons to genre-defining acts such as Bring Me The Horizon and VUKOVI. Their knack for seamlessly fusing electronic elements with powerful rock has attracted a wider audience beyond traditional genre limits. Their daring artistic decisions and dedication to genuine expression have established them as rising stars in the alternative music industry, particularly appealing to fans seeking both musical creativity and significant social commentary.

Corporation P.O.P is a testament to Hot Milk‘s artistic evolution and their ability to craft meaningful music for our times. The album seamlessly blends catchy melodies with sharp social commentary, creating an experience that’s both thought-provoking and irresistibly enjoyable. Hot Milk combines punk, metal, and electronic elements to deliver a powerful message about the pressing issues in our world while keeping listeners engaged with energetic soundscapes and memorable hooks.If you’re looking for music that challenges the norm while providing an exhilarating listening experience, Corporation P.O.P deserves a place in your playlist. This album shows that Hot Milk isn’t just making noise – they’re making history in the modern rock scene.