Following the unprecedented success of 2014’s Sadnecessary, German alt-pop duo Milky Chance are back with a powerful sophomore LP.
Clemens Rehbein and Philipp Dausch produced one of the most popular alternative tracks of the last three years, “Stolen Dance,” bringing a unique blend of electronica and folk to the States nearly a year after premiering their work in their native Germany. The duo continue to shock listeners with their groovy acoustic vibe on Blossom, which is out now.
The title track proves Milky Chance has grown more confident and practical in their sound. Rehbein’s voice is unconventional, but his raspy strained vocal doesn’t feel forced. “Blossom” sets the bar high for the remainder of the album and there are few moments where the band fails to deliver the same caliber of work. “Firebird” and “Doing Good” can easily be connected back to the same acoustic backbone that made “Stolen Dance” so addictive. There’s absolutely no way folk-inspired dance music should work. But Milky Chance have their sound so finely tuned that the combination feels completely natural, as evidenced on the certified banger “Clouds.”
With 14 tracks, Blossom is a more ambitious and diverse work than Milky Chance’s debut. Though they’re known for their upbeat, danceable tracks, the band exceeds expectations on the album’s down-tempo moments. “Cold Blue Rain” and “Stay” are expansive and hypnotic, proving the breadth of the two German musicians. Compared to the polished sound of the rest of the album, “Stay” is messy and raw, almost as if they swapped out the finished product for an old demo. With the addition of six acoustic renditions on the deluxe LP, Blossom feels like an album made for a live setting.
There isn’t a moment on this album that won’t take your breath away. By making refreshing stylistic choices, Milky Chance completely destroy the idea that artists should cater their self-expression to suit one specific genre.
Stream the brand new album below, and find Milky Chance on tour this summer!