Verticoli releases new single “Milk & Honey”

Tasmania-based outfit Verticoli have spent more than a decade earning a reputation as one of Australia’s most magnetic alternative rock acts. The three-piece, made up of vocalist and guitarist Sam Hunn, drummer Will Colvin and bassist Jeremy Hughes are wholly adept at balancing heavy riffs with melodic writing, delivering a sound that’s filled with moments of raucous energy. Known for their high-octane live shows and robust songwriting, their carries weight across the country’s rock landscape as well as being felt around the world.

Since their early days, Verticoli have been on a mission to craft rock music with both impact and accessibility and that approach has paid off, with the band rising to become a regular fixture in Australia’s live circuit. Their relentless touring schedule has seen them be billed alongside the likes of Cog, Kingswood, British India and DZ Deathrays, proving they can hold their own with some of the most respected names in the scene.

The coveted opening slot on the Field Stage at the Falls Festival in Marion Bay during the 2014/15 season presented a milestone that marked their arrival on a national scale and in 2017, they were handpicked by Triple J Unearthed to perform at Party in the Paddock. These live triumphs have gone hand-in-hand with a steady flow of recorded output; since introducing their sound on their debut self-titled EP in 2013, Verticoli have released a strong catalogue of singles, EPs and albums that have connected with countless fans across Australia and beyond.

Now, the band are preparing to release of their third studio record, Silverlinings, set to land in November. Ahead of the record comes their latest single titled “Milk & Honey,” a track that captures Verticoli’s ability to combine jagged rock edges with thoughtful songwriting. While sonically full of their trademark force, the track is also a pointed reflection on the state of the world. Drawing from a juxtaposition of beauty and disillusionment, the band frame the song around the image of places often seen as idyllic and unravel the darker truths that lie below.

While the title hints at a place of tranquil prosperity, the track unleashes a biting alternative rock takedown stacked with punching drums, crunching riffs and belted vocal leads that address the dissonance between the surface appeal of places and ideals and the harsh realities that exist within them. Building from the swaggering groove of layered guitar and bass propelled by striking drums, Sam’s commanding vocals rise above to drape brooding melodic cuts over the charging musical fabric.

Reaching a riveting crescendo of screeching lead guitar licks, bursts of bluesy vibes ring out before the stomping finale delivers a lasting impression of the song. With over ten years of music and live shows behind them, Verticoli continue to stake their claim as one of Australia’s most vital rock bands in the modern era. “Milk & Honey” shows a group still pushing themselves creatively, channelling their incredible talents into songs that land a punch far beyond the stage and with their next LP on the way, Verticoli look set to deliver their most impressive artistic statement yet.

Listen to Milk & Honey below