The debut EP from Brodie Milner, Tragicomedy is laced with sarcasm and sincerity and sympathy and scorn.
Milner says this on writing the EP,
I wanted there to be an uncomfortable contrast between the tragic and comedic elements of each song. Part of meta modern internet culture is the quick succession of harrowing events, pets, unobtainable housing, and directionless vitriol. It leaves us with an unease we quickly have to swallow in order to keep up with the pace of content. I tried to recreate this, taking influence from the lyrical style of Father John Misty, John Grant, and the likes, putting shock and light relief side by side.
Oddly, there is a comfort within Milner’s lyrics. They connect on a level that triggers thought and questions in one’s mind. With his lyricism, he’s become a modern day thinker, and in turn allows his listeners to become his disciples and perhaps question their own lives and thoughts.
Milner partners his astute lyrics with tightly woven melodies both are entrancing and razor sharp.
“Hedonist” feels as if he has channelled the souls of the beat writers of days gone by. The lyrics are great observations and the groove of the music is seductive and slick, allowing one to fall into their own consciousness.
The simplistic beat of “Comedy” partnered with Milner’s lyrics adheres to his keen eye observations, but unlike “Hedonist” the tone of the song feels more pointed and direct, perhaps at the fake lives as seen on carefully curated social media platforms.
The music of “ididntwanttocometoyourparty” is full of confidence, swagger, and infectious beats. For me it was the stand out track, showcasing Milner’s smart lyrics, musicality, and how low-fi can sound clean and clear.
With “Tragedy” I felt a bit of Ryan Adams floating about. The song is stripped back to Milner’s voice, a howling wind, and a guitar, and it’s beautiful and poetic.
Tragicomedy successfully lives up to its name, giving one a journey that is quick witted and heartbreakingly beautiful.
