aaamusic | On 30, May 2011

‘Milk’ is the enchanting debut single from the hotly tipped young Bristolians The Bronze Medal. With over four and a half minutes of tender and uplifting charm, this track will captivate the listener right from the very first note. Initially this record feels subtle and subdued, but thanks to the authenticity of the song writing offered by the four lads from Bristol, this track avoids the insipid and uninspiring connotations and sounds fresh and natural. Track two of this release ‘After You Were Quiet’ showcases the band’s expertise and energy, offering a truly exceptional lesson in acoustic dynamics and vocal harmonies that many of their contemporaries could learn a thing or two from.

In the autumn of 2009 the band formed in the aftermath of a six-week busking-funded backpacking trip through Southern Europe and Scandinavia taken by respective singer-songwriters Chris Hillier (vocals/guitar/piano/noise) and Robin Southwell (vocals/guitar/piano). On their return home, having written a clutch of songs inspired by their surroundings in the wilderness, they subsequently withdrew into their bedroom studios to record their weather beaten musical chronicles on laptops and four track recorders where they were joined by fellow friends from their local music community Rory O’Gorman (drums/percussion/vocals) and Mike Barnett (bass/vocals).

Last summer saw the band play their first run of shows across the UK, selling out venues in their native Bristol, but also in Cardiff, Bath, Newport, Norwich and Exeter. Their debut summer schedule included performances at Wychwood Festival, Harbourside Festival, Dot to Dot Festival, numerous sessions for BBC Bristol and support shows with Chapel Club, Brother and American pop-rockers Anberlin. The foursome’s inherent cognitive ability to communicate on stage perpetually impresses the toughest of crowds.