M1LDL1FE : Can’t Seem to Get Anything
M1LDL1FE
Can’t Seem to Get Anything
In a refreshing departure from what seemed like a safe, by the numbers, and very on brand pop-rock tune on their last synth driven single Small Lanes, Can’t Seem to Get Anything is a solid groovy rebound for Singapore’s favourite indie rock darlings M1LDL1FE. Released under Singaporean label Where Are The Fruits? (In which guitarist Tan Peng Sing independently runs), the track is the second single in anticipation of a yet to be titled upcoming LP, which will mark the band’s first full-length release since their self-titled EP back in 2017.
Here, the quartet manages to strike the fine balance of crafting an irresistibly catchy refrain, whilst avoiding their previous pitfalls of being overtly derivative. The track’s killer combo of tactful vocal samples, lush synth textures, tasty guitar tones and infectious basslines become a package that make it easily the band’s most exciting offering by far. Large credits go to vocalist Paddy Ong’s subdued performance, which manages to match the vibe and energy of the track by opting to complement the band's sonic backdrop, rather than overpowering it with an impassioned performance. Here, bassist David Siow forms the backbone of the song, imbuing it with a sense of groove and drive that create a bedrock for the track's embellishments to shine. With pitch-shifted guitar licks and chopped vocal samples, the band gives way to an incredibly catchy chorus – an interplay which only further synergises Paddy's vocal performance with the rest of the track. And above everything, the true highlight of Can’t Seem to Get Anything lies within its two extremely gratifying guitar solos, in which Tan’s tasteful note choices balance sonic satisfaction boasting an absolutely killer guitar tone, while also being delightfully weird at the same time, with certain sections almost sounding like something out of The Voidz’s playbook.
Perhaps this track is indicative of the material that we’ll hear on the upcoming M1LDL1FE album, but lets just hope it’s less of Small Lanes and more of Can’t Seem to Get Anything.
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