After a period of relative, maybe even reflective quiet, The Vanilla Milkshakes are back and they’re not pulling any punches. Originally laid down in 2019, 'Punching Cows' is a fierce collection of tracks recorded in Seattle by the legendary Jack Endino, whose credits include Nirvana, Mudhoney, and Soundgarden.
Six years on, and ‘Punching Cows’ is just as potent as ever, lashing out with some “unpretentious music for pretentious people.” The album kicks off with 'Cookie Monster', immediately throwing you into a punked-up frenzy with a classic "one, two, free, four" count-in. It’s an uncompromising opening cut, laying the foundation for a journey of spiked punk sounds, sarcastic wit and tongue-in-cheek lyricism
'1000 People' follows, a track that comes out kicking and screaming. Throughout, McGhee's guitars are absolutely killer, driving the track with intense energy that never settles or dips. In 'Damn Right', the band deliver a clever twist, lulling you in with a meandering guitar line before exploding into a driven, grungy assault. McGhee's vocals sting with self-deprecation as he laments, “damn right, wrong again, all I do is I lose friends.”
Beyond the initial sonic assault, 'Punching Cows' offers depth and vulnerability that lingers beneath the surface. McGhee, who lives with high-functioning autism, tackles personal themes with a well-placed, reflective tone. In 'Everyone Is Stupid', he de-fangs the stigma surrounding autism, while 'On+On+On' digs into the roadblocks the arise in his day-to-day life.
One of the highlights, ‘On+On+On’ also stands out for its sound and authenticity. Lingering melodics, and a chorus that’s bound to get stuck in your head. Tracks like 'Green and Sober' and 'Oblique' cut to the quick with searing punk anthems and sardonic wit, exploring McGhee's mental health state.
The band itself are a compelling trio, fuelling the album with head earned wisdom and enduring life lessons. Frontman David McGhee channels his unique life experiences, including overcoming homelessness and addiction, into his raw and honest lyrics. He's joined by drummer and vocalist Frank Registrato, a seasoned industry veteran who managed major acts like The Backstreet Boys and Korn. Bassist Mike King, an old friend of McGhee's, rounds out the lineup, with Steve Cole now handling the boom.
With a recent licensing deal set to put their music in movies, games, and commercials, and a clear eagerness to re-engage with live performances, it’s easy to see ‘Punching Cows’ as a fresh start. It’s an enjoyable, sometimes challenging, but ultimately uplifting record, deftly channelling the defiant attitude of grunge-punk music while showcasing McGhee's compelling and honest songwriting.
For more from the band, be sure to connect with David McGhee on Instagram, Threads, and Facebook.
