This Austin band defies convention by combining an uncommonly gorgeous pop sensibility with a finely-honed post-punk attack. Look for them at both the Lollapalooza and the Austin City Limits festivals this summer and fall,... more » along with a national tour in September supporting The Long Winters.« less
This Austin band defies convention by combining an uncommonly gorgeous pop sensibility with a finely-honed post-punk attack. Look for them at both the Lollapalooza and the Austin City Limits festivals this summer and fall, along with a national tour in September supporting The Long Winters.
"What Made Milwaukee Famous is a true treat to experience. Although the album was only recently released, they've had the exact same album (plus and minus one or two songs) out that they promoted and self-released many years earlier. I had the joy of listening to them live at Stubb's Bar-B-Que when they were one of the opening bands for Snow Patrol. However, it should have been the other way around that night with Snow Patrol opening for them.
So if you feel like taking a chance on a new band, do not hesitate to try 'Trying to Never Catch Up,' you will be so happy that you did.
"
Barsuk Rides Again
Sao Paulo | 10/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can't believe these guys were hanging out for two years with most of this album self-released. This album is not merely the sum of their influences. They may not be the next Shins or Death Cab, but I do think this band has the same "it factor." Beware those who get hung up on repetitive lyrics, because most of this album is about failed relationships. But instead of freshening up or glossing over depressing and angst-ridden lyrics, musically they shift gears and mix it up. They find a way to make it work, and the more I listen to this album the more I like it.
Already my number two album of 2006 behind Silversun Pickups and just ahead of another new Austin band, The Sound Team."
Uh...beer did...beer...
M. Swinney | Flower Mound, TX | 05/09/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"...and cheese Made Milwaukee Famous. What Made Milwaukee Famous' first CD "Idecide," comes across as a unique sound, indie enough to be intriguing and pop enough to keep you coming back for more.
Austin's own Milwaukee rises above a music scene dripping with talent and actually comes off not sounding like every other indie band out there these days. The music on "Idecide," is equal parts Modest Mouse, Canada's Acorn and Besnard Lakes, and even a little of Austin's Okkervil.
The big hits here are track 1, "Idecide," and 3, "Hellodrama." "Idecide," almost has this cool math rock thing going on of Pinback but then lead singer Kingcaid's voice gets the distortion treatment and the song trangresses to this weird wonderful place. "Hellodrama," starts off sounding much like Austin's other Okkervil River but the chorus kicks in and transforms the song into this Modest Mouse meets Clash meets My Sharona and there is suddenly dance club bliss...quite unexpected mind you.
Althought the last part of "Trying to Never Catch Up," finds the songwriting talents of Michael Kingcaid, John H. Farmer, and Drew Patrizi, ventures out into eclectic teritorry it loses a little focus and cohesion. Watch for Milwaukee playing a club near you while you can, they'll be moving up to larger venues. --mmw"
Really Stands Out
DW | chicago, IL | 05/08/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I loaded many albums by many new artists on my car's multi-MP3 CDRW player. Of those, Trying Never To Catch Up really stands out everytime it comes around.
What Made Milwaukee Famous straddles European pop and US indie. Every song is special. Buy it and find out for yourself.
[DW]"
Great unknown group
T. E. McGinn | Philadelphia, PA USA | 02/13/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I agree with what everyone has said, this is truly a strong cd with almost every (if not all) track being excelent. I heard one of their songs on independent radio and spent a little time tracking it down about two years ago and haven't regreted it yet."