INTERVIEW
A distorted, eerily disjointed riff slams into the listener like a jolt of electricity, marking the arrival of Millennium Resorts' latest track, “Not Gonna Do What You Say.”
A distorted, eerily disjointed riff slams into the listener like a jolt of electricity, marking the arrival of Millennium Resorts' latest track, “Not Gonna Do What You Say.” The Austin-based duo launches into a brooding industrial soundscape built from electronic drums, a hypnotic vocal chant, and lyrics that pack a politically charged punch:
It comes as no surprise
That rulers with bloodlust eyes
Will snuff out ten million lives
And talk down and moralize
When the beat drops—a visceral thump of bass drum and rat-a-tat snare—the song takes hold, refusing to release its grip. And frankly, you won’t want it to. "Not Gonna Do What You Say" is pure sonic alchemy, blending the industrial edge of Nine Inch Nails, the pop swagger of Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake, and sci-fi guitar tones reminiscent of Prince. Millennium Resorts packs a dizzying amount of musical information into a breathtaking four minutes and forty seconds.
This unexpected pairing is at the heart of the band. Jonathan Richerson and Scott Raulie's origin story is as surprising as their sound: they met and played together in—of all things—a U2 tribute band over a decade ago. Despite the inauspicious beginnings, the two discovered a deep musical connection, laying the groundwork for this year's striking releases.
Their ambitions extend beyond singles; Millennium Resorts have already unleashed In the Key of David, a 10-song concept album. With a nod to Dark Side of the Moon and OK Computer, the record is designed for immersive, "lights off, headphones on" listening sessions. But the duo isn't trying to replicate the past. While In the Key of David established their experimental side, characterized by intricate guitar soundscapes and seamless transitions, they are now embracing a more direct and accessible approach. “It’s a little bit more on the pop side," Scott explains. “A bit easier to digest, shorter, and hookier.”
Each of the duo’s musical strengths complements those of the other. Richerson, a producer and guitarist with an affinity for EDM contributes a vast library of beats, riffs, and ideas. Raulie, a musician and fan of dreampop and new wave, adds layers of sonic texture and melodic depth. "We gel really well," Richerson says. "Scott's influences brought so much to our sound, and my production style gave us the freedom to experiment."
The resulting sound is a compelling hybrid. On their debut album, tracks like “Happiness” and “The Big Show” seamlessly weave together atmospheric dream-pop with pulsating electronic rhythms and searing guitar riffs. They draw comparisons to the likes of Tame Impala, My Bloody Valentine, and M83, while boldly carving out their own unique identity.
Looking ahead, the duo is working towards another album or collection of singles in 2025—though the priority is “quality over quantity," Raulie emphasizes.
With their constantly evolving sound and commitment to creating provocative music, Millennium Resorts is carving a unique space for themselves. Their new single proves they're unafraid to shift gears, challenge expectations, and allow their musical synergy to lead the way.
As I write this, the outro of “Not Gonna Do What You Say” sticks with me. A Phil Collins-esque drum fill leads to a guitar solo with weird bends, and a gritty synthesizer provides a descending counterpoint melody as the track fades out, all too soon. With creativity levels off the charts, Millennium Resorts doesn’t need to do what anyone says; they just need to keep following their ears.
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Listen to Millennium Resorts now on Spotify.