Milltown Brothers

Milltown Brothers

Milltown Brothers are a rock and indie group from Colne in Lancashire, United Kingdom. The band forms in 1989 and remains active. The core members are Matt Nelson and Simon Nelson.

Career

The band first emerges on the alternative scene in 1989 with the Coming From The Mill EP, which includes the songs “Roses”, “We’ve Got Time” and “Something On My Mind”. The EP gains single of the week in NME. Their second single, “Which Way Should I Jump?”, sparks interest from major labels.

In 1990, the band signs to A&M worldwide. “Which Way Should I Jump?” is re-recorded and reaches number 38 in the UK charts. It also reaches number 10 on the US Rock Chart. The band tours extensively, including a main tour for Slinky with support from Beware the Green Monkey.

Slinky receives a five-star review in Q magazine. The next single, “Here I Stand”, is affected by chart manipulation concerns after it is played repeatedly in independent record shops before release. It misses the Top 20, peaking at number 41, and a planned Top of the Pops performance does not happen. A&M delays the band’s new material for two years and later uses it for the second studio album, Valve.

Valve receives weaker reviews than Slinky. After a long period away from the label, including an advertising-free tour and singles the band does not want included on an album, Milltown Brothers leave A&M.

Later work

After around ten years without working together, the band returns with the third studio album Rubberband in March 2004. It is released on their own label and made available through their website. Rubberband is described as critically acclaimed.

Line-up

The band line-up listed with the album information is Matt Nelson on vocals and guitar, Simon Nelson on guitar, James Fraser on bass, Barney James on organ and piano, and Nian Brindle on drums.