Lake Komo – Milwaukee

Manchester-based quartet Lake Komo return from their West Coast road trip to unveil new single “Milwaukee.”

One of the North West’s best upcoming bands, we last featured Jay Nudd (vocals), Liam Maxwell (drums), Jess Gould (keys) and Pete Bentley (bass) in February as they were heading out on an extensive tour of intimate venues around Northern England to coincide with the release of new single “Resurrect.” Prior to that they were riding on a wave of momentum produced by their debut Ritual EP, released via Columbia Record, which was their first major release to showcase their heavenly brand of experimental folk-pop. This new cut is more of the same. Built around an acoustic skeleton influenced by the likes of Bon Iver (frontman Jay Nudd has cited Justin Vernon and co’s concert as a particularly landmark moment in his own personal pursuit of music), with most of the focus on the soaring vocals that dance above. Ticked over beautifully by just a smattering of percussion, some sparkling keys and subtle vocal harmonies, “Milwaukee” is another lesson in elegance from the foursome.

However, it turns out this new track is anything but new. It is instead one of the first the band ever wrote together, fueled by a break-up Jay experienced one university summer not too long ago. Exploring the ensuing trials and tribulations of self-discovery that come with once again being by yourself, the video, directed by Franklyn Banks, perfectly complimented not only its meaning but also gave the viewer a first-hand perspective on such a journey: “We wanted a video that would mirror the sentiment of the song whilst giving the viewer a real sense of discovery and wonder, and a roadtrip up the Californian coast gave us the perfect opportunity to do that. The warmth and positivity of the American people we met along the way acted as the perfect accompaniment to a song which mainly looks at self discovery, realisation and the excitement of things to come.”

Currently adding the finishing touches to their debut album with producer Cam Blackwood (George Ezra, London Grammar), they’ll be back out of the studio and on the road throughout summer at the following dates:

June

22nd – Pendle Rooms, Lancaster

23rd – Surf Café, Tynemouth

24th – The Ferret, Preston

25th – Fibbers, York

July

2nd – Night & Day, Manchester

8th – The Exchange, Stoke

15th – The Underground, Bradford

16th – Opium 10, Barnsley

21st – Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham

22nd – Also Known As, Banbury

26th – Adelphi, Hull

27th – Banshee Labyrinth, Edinburgh

28th – Buskers, Dundee

August

5th – St. Thomas Church, Lancaster