Oakland-based band Mildred, a quartet featuring Jack Schrott (vocals, guitar), Henry Easton Koehler (vocals, guitar), Matthew Palmquist (vocals, bass, guitar, woodwinds), and Will Fortna (drums) have unveiled their debut twin EPs, mild and red. Officially assembling in 2023, Mildred came together last year in their living room, following a string of after-dinner music sessions. Reflecting on the creative process, the band notes, “The writing process was like said dinners, everyone brought something to contribute to the table, and we cooked together.” There was never a concrete goal in mind during these sessions until after the majority of the material on the EPs had been recorded. Contemplation followed recording, as the band figured they had a surplus of music for an EP, and not enough for an LP. “Two EPs also seemed like a nice, laidback intro to a band – easier to sink your teeth into than a proper album… Also, the equation mild+red=mildred was just too good to pass up.”
Each collection only further expands on the promise of the lead singles, “Sauvies Nude Beach” of red and “Twinkle Lights” of mild. There is an endearing gentleness to their alt-country / folk-rock adjacent sound that takes shape in a variety of ways due to the band’s dynamic ability to craft unique, compelling melodies with hints of nostalgia. Marked as charmingly charismatic, a staple throughout these offerings is reflective and vulnerable songwriting set against a backdrop of warm, inviting instrumentation. The band also consistently showcases a natural chemistry throughout each EP, with three members occasionally taking on the task of lead vocals, and all three exceptionally delivering.
Among the early standout tracks, “Laila” and “Green Car” from mild are highlights. The former fully serves to encapsulate the band’s endearing quality as Jack Schrott vocally imparts an affectionate sincerity throughout the track. It’s tender, romantic, sweet, and carries a lighthearted sense of serendipity. The latter is ear-grabbing with a hypnotic, almost atmospheric quality. The track pairs gently alluring instrumentation with a yearning vocal effort from Matthew Palmquist that can only be described as dream-like, with each sung word lingering on in entrancing fashion. Meanwhile, “Carry On” from red, is an infectious offering that is as equally colourful as it is carefree. There’s an undeniable buoyancy in the recurring guitar riff that is matched by Henry Easton Koehler’s laid-back coolness, making it a compelling, but naturally engaging listen.
Together, mild and red offer a versatile introduction to Mildred’s evolving artistry, showcasing their knack for crafting songs that feel both personal and universal. The interplay between introspective, reflective lyricism and colourful, textured instrumentation hints at a band with a clear, collective vision, yet enough chemistry and fluidity to remain dynamic and unpredictable. This compelling debut marks Mildred as a band to continue to follow, as a full-length offering is sure to deliver, just as mild and red do.
“Sit with today, let that be enough
Laila, Mildred
Life moves real fast but we can keep up
Laila is that what you want
Cause I don’t think it would do any harm
To figure out what page you wanna be on”
Listen to mild & red:
Bandcamp | Coming to Streaming 09/14/2024
Follow Mildred:
Soundwave Society Music Club 
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