Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session: Milagres

For this Indie Rock Hit Parade session, we welcome Milagres to the studio. The men of the Brooklyn-based band are hardly strangers; they visited us in 2011 while on tour for their last album, Glowing Mouth (on the day that a minor earthquake shook Philadelphia). Since then, Milagres’ lineup has undergone a few changes, resulting in the leaner sound on their new album, Violent Light (Kill Rock Stars). Still at the helm is singer/guitarist Kyle Wilson and bassist/producer Fraser McCulloch, who have crafted another set of tunes that fall squarely in the middle of Milagres’ preferred crossroads: lush and menacing. Longtime keyboardist Chris Brazee and newly indoctrinated drummer Paul Payabyab round out the quartet.

Those who recall the transition from Milagres’ independently released debut, Seven Summits, and Glowing Mouth might still find the band’s latest leap rather breathtaking. Even the pensive and introspective moments on Violent Light are underscored with a muscular bombast. For evidence, check out the stunning performance of “Terrifying Sea.” Milagres are also rocking much harder than ever before. Anchored by a bouncy synth line, “Jeweled Cave” gives way to one of Wilson’s most dynamic vocal turns. And it’s a wonder that Payabyab doesn’t go through drum kits like chewing gum, given how hard he hits on Violent Light‘s lead single, “The Letterbomb.”

Download the complete Indie Rock Hit Parade Live Session with Milagres below!