On September 29, 2014, Geronimo!, one of the most engaging and kinetic bands in Chicago’s punk scene, wrote in a Facebook post, “It is a bittersweet decision but after 220 shows, 57 cities, 26 states, 7 tours, 5 EPs, 3 LPs, 2 vans and 1 kitten, we have an end in sight.” From there, the group released one last EP, played some final shows, and since 2015, Geronimo! has been, as they put it, “resting peacefully.” That doesn’t mean that the band’s Kelly Johnson is taking it easy, though.
After the group’s split, Johnson began making demos as Milked, and now that project is gearing up to release its debut fell-length album, Death On Mars, via Exploding In Sound Records. Johnson shared a video for the title track today, and if you missed Geronimo!, this three-minute dose of noisy guitar rock ought to make you very happy. It’s a fine mix of slowcore and post-punk influences that’s as deceptively simple as it is anthemic and melodic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYj8ppWt0UE
“This song uses some imagery from an episode of Ren And Stimpy,” Johnson said. “It’s about my wife [and] being unsure about, but content with, where life will take us.”
If this is causing some Geronimo! heartsickness, then here’s some good news: Milked essentially is Geronimo!, since the remaining band members, Ben Grigg and Matt Schwerin, make up Johnson’s touring band, and Schwerin is even featured on the album. As Johnson tweeted, “We are basically @thegeronimoband but older.”
Death On Mars comes out on June 30, and it also the second installment of the EIS Tape Club. Pre-order the album here and listen to “Death On Mars” above.
