Word
Milk in Vienna "Open Fire"
Review
Back when Milk in Vienna started, they were a two-man group working on instrumental demos. With a few lineup changes, including a departure (Otis Jennings) and additions (Paul Davila, Rick Luna, and Jorge Garcia), MIV became a four-piece and quickly made a mark in Laredo's scene. 2006 was their year, playing show after show relentlessly, recording an EP, and even being named Laredo's Top Band for 2006 (TheNightScene.net).
On their debut EP, "Open Fire!", MIV has taken their vintage rock sound and their '06 experience and put in on tape. As the name suggests, "Open Fire!" attacks your ears from all angles. Starting with a 25 second, two chord intro, "Back Then" seems to let you know that Milk is here to get drunk, get laid, and get into a fight, before hitting you with a fat bass line and Davila's distorted guitar. Jorge Garcia's vocal approach ranges from borderline spoken word, like an enraged preacher speaking the word of God, to almost schizophrenic gibberish. His voice commands your attention, while his noise-making adds that extra something to the music. On "It Ain't Love", a song full of sexual overtones, Garcia's breathy "Ohs!" over a jazz-like breakdown sounds almost orgasmic. "Beautiful Curse" presents a sense of urgency, weaving a wicked guitar riff over a steady bass line and Luna's Animal-like beat before stopping you dead in your tracks, only to beat you over the head with riff so heavy, Zeus couldn't lift it. The band's newest song, "No Rubber", also turns up the intensity. Bassist Ralph Guajardo's repetitive riff, builds up the tension until a ferocious combination of Garcia's screams, Davila's guitar fuzz, and Luna's pounding is unleashed. It all culminates with an old-school punk jam, topped of by Exorcist-sounding squeals. You can almost see the dust settling from the mosh pit after it's over.
As a whole, "Open Fire" delivers, bringing you the energy and in-your-face rock feel of their live shows. The spirit of rock is alive and well, and it resides in Laredo, TX.
P.S. Ralph does pee like a racehorse.
