Charleston SC’s quartet Milhouse are rapidly building a reputation as one of the most eclectic bands to break the surface in years. With such a distinct and an energetic live show, Milhouse draws on a unique combination of instruments and influences to create a sound that is unclassifiable.
Composed of four best friends Matt Herring, Dusty Painter, Cory Jarrett, and Lonnie Root this quartet manages to intertwine the evolution of classical music to the sounds of modern music with influences of My Morning Jacket, Keller Williams, The Blues Brothers to Jason Mraz and Damien Rice. With such broad influences and instruments not consistent to the rock music genre the creative efforts of the songs and arrangements becomes an influential strength to the eclectic sound.
Milhouse has toured and played with: JJ.Grey and Mofro, Wild Sweet Orange, The Clarks, Cowboy Mouth, Tyler Ramsey, Zach Deputy, Outformation, Zac Brown Band, NeedtoBreathe, The Blue Dogs, Moses Mayfield, Scare Crow Collection, and Barefoot Manner.
In January 2008, Milhouse entered Echo Mountain Studios in Asheville NC with respected producer Danny Kadar who is well recognized for his production and engineering for acts such as My Morning Jacket, Iggy Pop, Avett Brothers, and Arizona. The goal for the six track EP entitled “a collection of rare birds” was to produce a record that will capture the live and organic chemistry of eclectic quartet. . "We didn't hire studio musicians or add to or change our sound." Herring explains. "…in the end it was me, Dusty, Cory and Lonnie; the people in this band, creating the music we love." he adds confidently," It will always be the Milhouse family."
NEWS
Currently working on our second full length record with our good friend and producer Josh Smoak. Look for the record in late spring along with an additional Free EP. 12.12.08
REVIEWS
The Charleston acoustic jam quartet's eccentric swirl of mandolin, guitars, cello, various percussion instruments and fluid vocals creates a certain mood, maybe that of a relaxed twilight drive. Their fine recent EP, A Collection of Rare Birds, manages to color th songs with classical shades via the cello and rootsy and folky swirls for a, well, pretty darn eclectic groove.
Creative Loafing Charlotte ~Samir Shukla~
I enjoyed Milhouse's CD, "A Collection of Rare Birds," but the band's live performance made me appreciate the act even more. This isn't your typical band with two guitars, bass and drum. Comprised of singer and guitarist Matthew Herring, mandolin player Cory Jarrett, cellist Lonnie Root and percussionist Dusty Painter, Milhouse definitely has a sound all its own.
The combination of Jarrett's mandolin and Root's cello elevate the band's sound above that of a new-grass or Americana act into a completely different position.
The Post and Courier Preview ~Devin Grant~
Discography
Cover photo for Live Birds by Diego Rondon.
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Tree design by Casey Jane Nowak.
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