Milly - “Star Thistle Blossom”

“Star Thistle Blossom,” the brand new single from Los Angeles’ Milly, immediately conjures images of another American shoegaze staple, Drop Nineteens. Though under-appreciated during their short stint in the 1990s, the Boston band’s sound became emblematic of the genre on this side of the pond. Unlike their British counterparts, though, the band also incorporated the grungier guitar tones of American contemporaries like Sonic Youth. If I had to nail a comparison point for Milly, this band would be it, as the young group’s sound sits squarely at the intersection of American grunge and British shoegaze. 

The deep and sludgy guitar tones on “Star Thistle Blossom” are perfectly suited for a warm, lazy summer afternoon in Los Angeles. Frontman Brendan Dyer’s gentle vocals are situated perfectly in the mix, as they accentuate the flush of guitars without getting lost in the shuffle. The song’s sound creates a nice mood for the accompanying video, which is set in the sun’s waning hours and features shots of the band playing on a front lawn and of an individual in a laundromat, where a vision of Christ emerges. That’s right - and it involves Jesus’ favorite condiment, ketchup. 

Stream the video below. “Star Thistle Blossom” will appear on the band’s next EP, Wish Goes On, which is out next year via Dangerbird Records. Stream the song on your platform of choice. Keep up with the band by following them on Instagram and liking them on Facebook.