Mildlife

Mildlife: The Australian Band Blending Jazz and Psych Rock
If you're a music lover looking for a genre-bending sound that encompasses jazz, funk, psychedelic rock, and electronica, then you must hear Mildlife. This Melbourne-based band has been active since 2014 and has left an indelible mark on the Australian and global music scene. Their hypnotic, groove-laden melodies, and multi-layered instrumentalism have garnered them many accolades and a devout fan base. In this article, we'll delve into Mildlife's musical biography, genre, best songs, famous concerts, and critical acclaim.
Mildlife is a four-piece band made up of members Adam Halliwell (guitar), Kevin McDowell (bass guitar), Jim Rindfleish (Drums), and Tom Shanahan (synthesizer). The band met at a jazz course and bonded over their love for improvisation, psychedelic rock, and funk beats. They took this inspiration into their debut album Phase in 2018, which put the band on the global music map. In 2020, they released their second album Automatic, which showcased their growth as a band in terms of sound and style.
Mildlife's music defies pigeonholing. They fuse classic jazz elements like improvisation, syncopation, and horn sections with spacey synth sounds, funky basslines, and catchy guitar riffs. The result is a refreshing, genre-bending sound that's hard to categorize, but that is best described as jazz-funk-psych-rock. Mildlife's music is often compared to other instrumental bands such as Khruangbin, The Comet is Coming, and Can.
Mildlife's best songs showcase their inventiveness and catchy melodies. The first single from their debut album, The Magnificent Moon, sets the tone for the band's signature sound. Phase II is another standout track featuring a horn section that climaxes into a cosmic melody. Vapour from the Automatic album encapsulates the band's refined sound and features hypnotic synths and jazzy guitar riffs. Rare Air is another notable track that beautifully blends funk and jazz sounds with spacey electronic beats.
Mildlife's live shows are legendary, with the band known for their high-energy performances and improvisational skills. They've played sold-out shows across the world and have headlined festivals such as Glastonbury, Primavera, and Laneway. Critics praise the band for their mix of old-school jamming and futuristic electronic experimentation and their ability to get the crowd moving.
Mildlife is the band you didn't know you needed in your life. They're a breath of fresh air in today's music scene, fusing jazz, psychedelic rock, and electronic sounds seamlessly. Whether you're a fan of instrumental music or not, Mildlife's groovy melodies and improvisation skills will move you. Their live shows are a must-see, and their albums are a must-listen for anyone looking to broaden their musical horizons. Mildlife's sound is one that's here to stay, and we can't wait to see where they take us next.