Millie Manders & The Shut Up

Shut Up EP (Bredda/Bad Granola)

The fiery Millie Manders & The Shut Up (MMATSU to their friends) continue to power their mutant ska/punk/rock/blues hybrid insanity from the speakers of those who know a good thing when they hear it. One of the fastest rising stars on the underground punk scene, Millie’s voice brings a unique twist to the sound.

Opening with a stunning 50 seconds where Millie showcases her stunning talent as a blues/soul singer, the EP erupts into a frenzy of brass powered skapunk as opener Right To Life showing the other side of her vocal skills over a pounding and incessant drum beat. Brave follows, with the song’s brilliant repetitive vocal hook catching the attention from the off, while further into the song the brass section takes the track into a different direction before the passionate (in all meanings of the word) vocals kick back in and tearing to the end. Third track is Lollipops, a song that has gained MMATSU much praise for its approach to the topical subject matter as for it’s sheer power and danceablilty. A very strong song, and with a constrained anger building throughout making it one of the best songs I’ve heard this year.

Finally, we go off in a totally different direction. One That Got Away is exactly what you’d expect, a song about lost love, but owing a lot more musically to The Mighty Mighty Bosstones than Whitney Houston! An absolute stormer of a track, and exactly the tight way to finish this oh-too-short release. It must be time for a full length album from the band. Please! Nik