Over halfway into 2024, the Cream City’s music scene is healthier than ever with releases from a slew of genres – all of which are well worth your time. Today, we’re recapping the best Milwaukee music of the year (so far).
Barely Civil – “I’d Say I’m Not Fine”
For Fans of: Rock with emotions, good helpings of angst
Standout Tracks: “Coasting Mostly,” “Not Fine”
Formed over a decade ago in Wausau, Barely Civil became a staple in Milwaukee’s burgeoning emo scene after releasing two critically acclaimed records in 2018 and 2020. “I’d Say I’m Not Fine” marks their first release in nearly four years, and I’d say it was definitely worth the wait. The most striking aspect of the band’s sound is how perfectly they balance more intense, emotionally volatile anthems with acoustic, reflective ballads that never feel forced or unnatural. Lead singer Connor Erickson brings both energetic performances and impassioned, earnest lyrics to the table, making for an album that’s equal parts exciting and contemplative.
Immortal Girlfriend – “Sojourner EP”
For Fans of: Late-night drives, synthesizers
Standout Tracks: “Hourglass,” “Calling”
A personal favorite, Immortal Girlfriend is the project of Milwaukee brothers William and Kevin Bush. The duo is known for their ‘80s throwback sound, using dense synthesizers and airy vocals to create a melodramatic, brooding atmosphere – notably landing one of their songs on the soundtrack of Netflix’s “Wednesday” series. Their new EP, “Sojourner,” is their first since 2020, but the pair haven’t lost their signature retro flair. The songs on this project sound both nostalgic and futuristic, taking influences from the duo’s shared love of ’80s pop music and creating a wholly unique sound from it. Throw this one on during a night drive down Interstate 41, I can promise that you won’t regret it.
Ladybird – “Amy Come on Home”
For Fans of: Square dancing, country that’s not actually from the country
Standout Tracks: “Audrey’s Garden,” “Short King Shuffle”
A relatively new addition to Milwaukee’s music ecosystem, alternative country group Ladybird released their fantastic debut album “Amy Come on Home” in May. Fronted by singer-songwriter Pete McDermott, the group fuses classic country stylings with elements of rock and Americana to create a warm, homegrown sound. While there are a generous handful of rootsy jams with witty lyricism from McDermott (“Short King Shuffle” in particular), the album’s acoustic tracks feel like a group of friends sitting and singing around a campfire – musing candidly about community and the passage of time. “Amy Come on Home” is an absolute blast, and a great showing of potential from a band that’s only getting started.
North Warren – “Body Language EP”
For Fans of: Indie rock, earworms
Standout Tracks: “I’m So Lazy,” “Go Outside”
North Warren’s brand of indie rock is energetic, anthemic, and heavy on the guitars. Named after a Milwaukee street once home to frontman Luke Esperes, the group’s latest EP, “Body Language,” is phenomenal. Pairing slice-of-life songwriting with catchy, melodic guitar riffs, the five tracks on this project are an excellent showcase of the group’s ability to craft upbeat rock songs that feel and sound great.
Polo Perks, AyooLii & FearDorian – “A Dog’s Chance”
For Fans of: Handclaps, controlled chaos
Standout Tracks: “PaperPlanesSoulja,” “Benice2me”
Milwaukee’s hip-hop scene is a lot of things: exhilarating, objectively quite strange, and absolutely blowing up right now. This is, in part, thanks to the virality of AyooLii, a Kenya-born rapper raised on the city’s east side. His frantic delivery, unique humor, and unconventional beats have made him a figurehead in the scene, all of which are on full display on a new collaborative project with New York rapper Polo Perks and Atlanta beatmaker FearDorian. Despite its co-stars from outside of the Midwest, “A Dog’s Chance” is unequivocally Milwaukee. Using a distinct handclap rhythm unique to the city’s rap hits, the two MCs weave in between each other at a breakneck pace, with guitar riffs often pulled from obscure rock groups (and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on one track.) Without a doubt, it’s one of the most bewilderingly fun and charismatic albums I’ve heard all year.
Sleepy Gaucho – “True Love Corridor”
For Fans of: 1970s nostalgia, lazy days in the sun
Standout Tracks: “Strawberry Moon,” “Sensible Woman”
Sleepy Gaucho is the project of Milwaukee-based musician Andy Goitia, and it seamlessly melds elements of yacht rock, folk, and psychedelic stylings with influences from his Argentinian heritage. His latest album, “True Love Corridor,” is a warm, uniquely easygoing listen – perfect for the hottest, laziest days of summer. With layered instrumentation that sounds plucked straight from the ’70s, Goitia uses nostalgia to create a supremely feel-good, woozy soundtrack to a day in the Milwaukee heat.
