Bristol alt-rock group alternative milks have returned with an existential crisis wrapped up in a heavy-hitting package

Bristol alt-rockers alternative milks have unveiled their latest single Shops. Self-proclaimed “metal headz stuck in a boy band”, the group has kept true to their unique DIY style when it comes to their sound, and Shops is no exception. The latest single after their debut EP all the tracks so far, it’s the musical embodiment of a puzzling existential crisis in the “new normal” of society. 

The song begins almost like it’s a classic late ‘00s parody of a rock song; however, don’t let yourself be dismissive. After a killer guitar intro, lead vocalist Mike Jordan begins lamenting about going to the shops. This semi-satirical spiral then leads into a commentary about a distressed society with its raging chorus (“Just go / just spend / who knows when it will end?”). alternative milks also ask about going to clubs and school; places that once were commonplace to congregate but have since been adapting to the changes of society. The song never loses its edge; keeping listeners engaged with changeups, brash instrumentation, and witty lyrics. There’s hardly any time to make sense of things before going to the next — that’s part of what makes the song masterfully crafted. The guitar solo, the third verse breakdown succeeding it, and the even higher voltage outro all come in rapid-fire in just under three minutes. 

Shops is a song full of creative and satirical wit and a DIY alt-rock edge that sounds unlike anything you’ve probably explored before. It’s a fast-paced doozy that will certainly have to be replayed a few times to get its full meaning. Perhaps there is also meaning in its DIY composition to juxtapose the lyrics centred around materialism and being stuck as a consumer in society. It leaves listeners on another existential note with its metal-inspired finale, making us wonder why anyone does any of these things at all. 

If you need a rager to let your crushing, existential feelings out, lean on alternative milks to provide. Maybe even take a walk to the shops while listening.