Denver garage rock band The Vanilla Milkshakes have only been together for two months. But they’ll release a 13-track LP on June 28. Steal a track right now!
The Vanilla Milkshakes frontman David McGhee is a character. As in, the ex-junkie, autistic, gay, once-homeless musician refers to himself as a “Denver scenster since 2005,” and does so lovingly. He has that “crazy,” unpredictable quality that makes for an exciting frontman.
“Crazy” is in quotes because it’s not a statement about McGhee’s mental health, though perhaps it could be. More, it’s more of a aesthetic comment. For instance, The Vanilla Milkshakes have been together for two months. Yet, on June 28, they will release their first LP, a collection of 13 songs called “How to Ruin Friendships and Influence Douche Bags.” The album was recorded in a 17-hour marathon at with Hot IQs’ bassist Bryan Feuchtinger.
The album sounds like it was made in 17-hours. It’s unpolished and has “oops moments,” where McGhee actually says “oops.” But honestly, The Vanilla Milkshakes could have 17 months in a studio, and it would sound the same. This low-fi, unpretentious rock is their intentional sound, and it really works.
Kurt Cobain really admired the music of Daniel Johnston, and The Vanilla Milkshakes have positioned themselves somewhere on the bridge between Nirvana and Johnston. The tracks are stripped-down garage rock with deprecating, humorous lyrics with McGhee’s endearingly off delivery and enough “whoa” sing-alongs to bring in the listener.
Below, download “Seattle,” which features a chant of “drugs, overdose, coffee.” The Vanilla Milkshakes will play a release show at the on Arvada on June 28, then the album will be available through iTunes, Amazon, etc.
Please note that downloads offered via Steal This Track are intended to whet your appetite, and are NOT CD-quality recordings. If you want those, please support the artists by buying their music and/or seeing them live.
If you’re a band or musician ready to expose your fresh sounds to the readers of Reverb, email your tracks — along with any interesting facts about them, as well as a photo or album art — to Steal This Track for consideration.
Josh Johnson is a Denver freelance writer and Reverb contributor. He’s also a journeyman butcher. Seriously.
