Review of Sadnecessary Album by Milky Chance
Beginning their career as a school jazz duo, Clemens and Phillipp have over the years evolved in such a way as to create the ever present pillow-beat, dance-pop vibes on 'Sadnecessary'. Although this 11 track album follows a strict brief in terms of form and rhythm, it becomes loose and malleable in parts, shining through the talent in these two young German lads.
Show me a two-piece dance-pop set up with such melancholic power as Milky Chance and I will show you a 'Stolen Dance' which, although the final track on the album, is worth noting first and foremost as one of 2014's summer anthems. Secondly, it's the mascot for Milky Chance's extremely individual sound and a great starter for anyone new to their world.
Due to the wholly minimal spectrum of rhythm on 'Sadnecessary', you may find yourself thinking you've got this thing on repeat. This pillow-beat, um-cha beat Milky Chance utilises is individualistic, though does becomes tedious in parts. That's not to suggest lack of creativity; Clemens and Phillipp have created in the depths of test tubes and Bunsen burners a mellow, crash tumble ambience. Undeniable chill-out dance-pop at its best.
Despite 'Sadnecessary''s lack of rhythmic variety, much of the highlighted tracks contain, in their own melodic manner, a certain level of individuality. 'Becoming' is a prime example, the track holding close to something between a bright eyed Miike Snow and the tortured souls of 1930s New Orleans jazz. 'Flashed Junk Mind' delivers undeniably beautiful strings spiking across caverns of archaic lyrics as the most relaxed track of the album, swelling as the epitome of that signature beaten-up rhythm. Meanwhile, 'Indigo' is a stunning showcase of Clemens' chamber-like chorus vocal lines; his bellows and murmurs almost scratch deep into the soul.
On the other end of the spectrum, 'Sadnecessary' sadly holds a number of dissonant, non-conforming tracks, out of reach from the general vibes the album had laid out. Examples of these are 'Running' and 'Feathery'. Although 'Sweet Sun' abides with these out of touch tracks on the album, I would go as far as to say it is a guilty pleasure. Despite being cringeworthy in parts, there lies something within this track as to magnetise us back to the lure of Milky Chance.
Overall, the album possesses great ambiance and theme, however track flow and originality in rhythm is largely lacking and lets the album go a little. They're still worth checking out live though as they set out on the road later this year.
3/5
Alister Roberts
