These spring chickens are keeping it Milky in the Bush

Frederick, Maryland. Bushwaller’s. Friday night. Milk Mountain. 

That there folks is a recipe for a sick night out. 

Bushwallers is a hotspot in Fredrick. Locals know it’s a great spot for trivia, some good eats, and live music. So here I am on a Friday night pushing through the crowd, camera bag in tow.

Milk Mountain is a four-piece cover band born right here in Frederick. They might look young (they are, no beers here. Only water) but they pack a serious punch. Formed out of the Let There Be Rock! School in Frederick, Milk Mountain is made up of Luna (vocals), Tyler (guitar), Aidan (bass), and Morgan (drums). They cover everything from the 70’s to the 2000’s, so they’re right up my alley because my music taste is focused within this timeframe for the most part. 

I met up with the band before their set at a nearby park to shoot some promo pics and do a quick interview. I’m meeting Luna and Morgan for the first time, but Tyler and Aidan I’ve met previously, as they’re also in a band called Black Locust (a local band I’m a huge fan of) and Aidan is also in New Clarity (yet another local band I love very much). They’re in great spirits and we crack jokes as we snap photos and before we part ways, I tell them I can’t wait for their set tonight. This was around 7:30 pm. 

Before I know it, 10 pm is finally here and I’m in Bushwallers with about 50-70 other people, ready to see Milk Mountain kick the evening off. The band files in from the back area of Bushie’s, and the crowd forms to meet them up by their instruments. 

The set jumps off from a well-loved classic, “I Got You”, made famous by James Brown & The Famous Flames. Luna has a lovely rasp that she brings out for the “OWWW!”, it scratches an itch in my brain. I didn’t mention it before, but this is my second time seeing Milk Mountain. Last time was here at Bushwallers as well, and the venue is just as packed if not more so this time around. 

One of my favorite things about this band is the unbridled energy that each of them brings to the stage. Luna is constantly grooving about, Morgan thrashes away behind her on his kit, usually wearing a huge smile. Tyler rocks back and forth, spinning from time to time. Aidan can often be seen grinning and checking the temperature of the room, bobbing his head in beat with the song. 

Next up, Milk Mountain covers “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy”, made famous by Rod Stewart, and after that, “Superstition”, which of course was made famous by Stevie Wonder. The band nails every one of these songs, but “Superstition” feels special. Why? It’s Friday the 13th tonight. 

I check out the crowd when the song starts and it’s understood and appreciated that this was a purposeful addition to the setlist. 

I’m having the best time firing away on my camera and soaking up the vibes. Bushwallers is a small place, and their lighting situation isn’t ideal for music photography, but I’m not bothered at all. It’s hard to dwell on your worries when you’re watching this talented band do their thing. I’m serious, they command the crowd when they’re playing. 

During “Come And Get Your Love”, made famous by Redbone, I noticed some cuteness in the front of the crowd. A happy couple is dancing together, twirling now and then and beaming at each other. Everyone in sight is wearing an expression of pure joy. If they’re not dancing, they’re at the very least bobbing their head or tapping their foot. 

Milk Mountain has an inflated cow back by their drum kit, and this matches their adorable tip jar. It’s of course, a cow, with a little cardboard “tips” sign on top. They play it up with the band’s name. I love it. The band takes a short intermission to rehydrate, and they encourage the audience to do the same. “None of us are old enough to drink, so this is water. Even if you are drinking, make sure to stay hydrated. It’s important!”, preaches Luna. 

“Valerie” is the next and last song that I watch the band perform (and knock out of the park). Not that I *want* to leave, but Milk Mountain is playing here from 10 pm until 1 am tonight and I simply don’t have the steam to go on for that long tonight. I snag a photo of the cute “Milk Mountain” chalk sign on the Bushwallers chalkboard schedule and set my camera down to enjoy this song, totally unplugged. 

One might look over Milk Mountain because they’re a cover band, but I’m telling you, that would be a huge mistake. These kids bring the heat and get the room moving every time.

Follow Milk Mountain on Instagram or check out their website

See full gallery of the night here!

If you captured any shots of the night, feel free to tag us on social media at Shutter 16 Magazine and throw in #Shutter16 and #TwitFromThePit for the world to see.