Live at the Union Chapel (Live)

On the hot, summer evening of 8th July 2016, Wah Wah 45s and their four-piece soul band, The Milk, realised a long-time ambition as the epic sounds of 'Favourite Worry' filled a sold-out Union Chapel. Taking to the stage at the iconic venue which has been home to some of London's most legendary live shows, from the first Big Chill events to Björk to Terry Callier, was an honour that was understood by all.

So on that night, accompanied by beautiful string and brass sections, the band delivered a live performance that none of the 800 fans, packed into those hallowed pews, will ever forget.

When you mention certain venue names, bands and labels start to think about live recordings and the Union Chapel is one of them. But it was only when drummer and producer Mitch began sending round rough mixes of the recordings that the band and label realised they had something very special on their hands.

Being a great live band is a fundamental part of what makes The Milk who they are. These recordings really demonstrate the closeness of the four men, their solid work ethic, their exceptional ability as performers and their connection with their fans. But above all, it showcases their songs and songwriting in the best possible way.

And while from the audience's standpoint everything sounded and looked grandiose, the band themselves were living a very memorable experience on stage, as perfectly described by Dan Le Gresley below:

"It's very rare that we get the chance to recreate our music live with the same instrumentation and attitude in which it was first created. The ambiance of the smokey chambers of the Union Chapel was strangely similar to the medieval barn from which the music of Favourite Worry was brought to life. We can't put our fingers on why, maybe the history, maybe the sense of solidarity among us – either way, if you were there then you shared in something truly special. It is for this reason that we are very proud to release this show as our first live album – a gig that we will always cherish.

Our eleven strong ensemble did the Gospel-soaked halls of the Union Chapel venue proud and we are very grateful that our wonderful string section and our awesome brass section were able to join us for the night. With their help, we were able to capture, in a live context, a true reflection of the bands soul for the first time."

Whether it's hearing the vast sound of Wanderlust as it steps up that key in the final moments, or revisiting seldom played hits from the first album, 'Tales From The Thames Delta', there is something here for fans old and new.