Album Review: Hot Milk - ‘Corporation P.O.P.’
It seemed like just yesterday, there was a call to the void and Hot Milk were ready to stay on the line. But as the days, weeks, and months pass, and as their attention moves from their own world to the world around them, they can’t stay quiet. They can’t stand still. They have to scream and shout and, if possible, make a difference.
With an unrivalled understanding and a punk-rock perspective, Hot Milk gives western politics the business with ‘Corporation P.O.P.’
The kings and queen of smash-hit power-pop are back bigger, badder and bloodier than ever. Inspired by modern-day society, conflicting politics, man-made division and hometown shame, ‘Corporation P.O.P.’ sees the Manchester-based group confront what’s happening right in front of them and not shy away anymore. This new thematic focus was confirmed in the release of the single ‘INSUBORDINATE INGERLAND’. Rhyming the classic chant of “England ‘til I die” with “social suicide” sums up the band’s current feelings on their homeland. They are looking at the fear and ignorance that graces the most patriotic, and the effect this can have - however, the UK is not the only target of their politically angled frustrations.
‘The American Machine’ is a social commentary-filled song about the land across the pond. Possibly inspired by their first-hand witnessing of American news and current events while spending time writing and recording in Los Angeles, there are Americanised references scattered throughout; from references to the States’ ongoing conflicts with the Middle East, to mentions of collusion and opioids, to referring to current president Donald Trump’s second term as a “shit show” that has been “renewed for four more seasons”. It is a simple left-leaning tongue-in-cheek punk description of America’s social, political and moral failings; a theme in punk, rock and metal for many decades and many more presidencies. Nevertheless, this is a Hot Milk interpretation and in their own trademark style, they get the message across: the United States is a mess on many important levels, and they don’t wish to be a part of that. They wish to shine a light and hold a mirror up, and if they burn some injustice down in the meantime with this exposure tactic, then let the unfriendly fire flow.
One of the heaviest tunes on the record is the sharp-tongued ‘Sunburn From Your Bible’. With mentions of religious elements such as commandments, miracles and the rapture, it is another institution of society that is crumbling to the rhythm of fast-paced guitar riffs and rough guttural vocals. Making a Christian-centric track the most metal-adjacent one on the record, it acts as a reflection to religion’s long-lasting effect in the world. Something that is taught to be a safety net, welcome arms and forgiveness with no conditions; something that can turn dark, scary, and unforgiving in a flip of a switch. Instead of allowing religion to hide its evil underbelly, presenting this topic as a metal anthem exposes once again the negativity it holds as an aspect of life and modern society.
It is a rule of alternative life that the enemy is the majority. The ones who exploit, the ones who punish, the ones who hurt and the ones who kill. Hot Milk have earned bouquet after bouquet of flowers throughout their career, and it seems the sky remains the limit when it comes to their popularity, talent and relatability.
‘Corporation P.O.P.’ hits the spots that A Call to the Void missed, and now it’s clear that everyone who has ever wronged the northwest rock group is an enemy. Every enemy is a target. Every target must be hit, and hit hard. ‘Corporation P.O.P’ is open for business. Just don’t let this bubble burst.
Words by Jo Cosgrove
