Milburn (band)
| Company type | Indie rock group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Founder | Joe Carnall, Louis Carnall, Tom Rowley, Joe Green |
| Defunct | 2008 (first disbandment) |
| Fate | Reformed in 2016 |
| Headquarters | Sheffield , England |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
| Website | www |
Milburn is an indie rock group originating from Sheffield, England, consisting of Joe Carnall, Louis Carnall, Tom Rowley, and Joe Green. They declared their disbandment on 28 March 2008, performing a farewell concert at the Carling Academy Sheffield on 24 May 2008, before reforming in 2016.
Origins
The formation of Milburn stemmed from long-standing friendships developed through playing football. Joe Green took on the role of drummer, while Tom and Louis Carnall began learning guitar, eventually coming together to perform cover songs. They later invited Louis's younger sibling, Joe Carnall, to join as vocalist and bassist despite his lack of prior experience.
Initially, the band played small venues and rehearsed at drummer Joe Green’s grandmother’s residence. Their band name was inspired by a wager involving a friend named Milburn.
Rise and debut release (2001–2006)
Milburn introduced their first demo, "Steel Town," in 2001, distributing it during live performances. The demo's artwork featured blue and white hues symbolizing their allegiance to Sheffield Wednesday football club. It contained three tracks: "Steel Town," "High & Dry," and "Tommy."
By 2002, they had twice sold out Sheffield’s Boardwalk and performed at notable locations such as The Cavern Club in Liverpool and The Garage in London. They also supported artists including Tony Wright’s Laika Dog and the Cosmic Rough Riders.
Following limited releases of singles "Lipstick Lickin" and "Showroom" under their own label Free Construction, Milburn secured a deal with Mercury Records in 2006. Their first Mercury single, "Send in the Boys," climbed to number 22 on the UK Singles Chart in April 2006. Their debut album, Well Well Well, launched on 9 October 2006 through Mercury, reached number 32 on the UK Albums Chart.
These Are the Facts era (2007–2008)
Their sophomore album, These Are the Facts, was released on 24 September 2007, preceded by the single "What Will You Do (When the Money Goes)?" which came out on 17 September.
To promote the album, Milburn embarked on UK tours in September and November 2007. During the November leg, a performance at Manchester Metropolitan University's K2 venue was abruptly ended due to insufficient crowd control barriers, resulting in crowd surges and an altercation involving security personnel and members of the band.
Hiatus period (2008–2016)
On 28 March 2008, Milburn announced their decision to disband, highlighting that there were no internal disagreements and emphasizing ongoing mutual respect as each member pursued individual ventures.
They concluded with two final concerts in May 2008 at ABC Glasgow and Carling Academy Sheffield, simultaneously releasing two previously unreleased tracks from These Are the Facts: "The District Line" and "Stay at Home".
Reformation and third album (2016–present)
In April 2016, Milburn reunited for a series of four shows at O2 Academy Sheffield, commemorating a decade since Well Well Well. The enthusiastic reception prompted an additional UK tour that autumn along with a new double A-side single titled "Midnight Control / Forming of a Fate," released in September 2016. This material was recorded at Liverpool’s Parr St. Studios with producer Bill Ryder-Jones, who also oversaw their third studio album.
Their third album, Time, was issued on 29 September 2017 via their own imprint count to 10 Records alongside PledgeMusic. The recording sessions took place in Liverpool under Ryder-Jones's production.
Side Projects
Following the band's separation, Louis Carnall became part of Lords of Flatbush alongside former Arctic Monkeys bassist Andy Nicholson and Sheffield vocalist Steve Edwards, although he has since departed from the group.
Tom Rowley and Joe Green joined The Backhanded Compliments and are currently active members of Dead Sons. In 2009, Rowley also became a member of Reverend and the Makers before dedicating his efforts to Dead Sons; from 2013 onward, he toured with Arctic Monkeys.
In 2009, Joe Carnall established Joe Carnall and the Book Club with Andy Nicholson, which was later renamed The Book Club. He became part of Reverend and the Makers in 2012 and performs under the name Joe Carnall & Friends, collaborating with musicians from his various endeavors. These intimate acoustic performances regularly sell out, with the 2013 Christmas concert being moved to The Leadmill to accommodate increased audience interest.
Joe Carnall released his solo debut under the moniker Good Cop Bad Cop in 2019, with production by Arctic Monkeys drummer Matt Helders.
Albums
- Well Well Well (2006, Mercury)
- These Are the Facts (2007, Mercury)
- Time (2017, VAM Records)
EPs
- Steel Town (2001)
- On Top of the World (2002)
- Along Comes Mary (2003)
- Milburn (initial release May 2005; reissued October 2005, Free Construction)
- Send in the Boys (2006, Mercury; exclusive to Japan)
Singles
- "Send in the Boys" (2006, Mercury)
- "Cheshire Cat Smile" (2006, Mercury)
- "What You Could've Won" (2006, Mercury)
- "What Will You Do (When the Money Goes)?" (2007, Mercury)
- "Midnight Control"/"Forming of a Fate" (2016, VAM/Warner)