Named for the rambunctious animal friends from the classic movie, Milo & Otis introduce listeners to their free-spirited brand of “adventure soul.”



For poet-singer Jamila Woods and instrumentalist-dreamer Owen Hill, music is something to be lived, not listened to. Much like their rambunctious namesakes from the classic film, Chicago soul duo Milo & Otis likes to move. Dubbed “adventure soul,” their earnest, free-spirited songs serve as a ready-made soundtrack for exploring a city’s most explorable parts.

In the video for “The Joy,” the duo puts their “adventure soul” motto into practice, improving an already picturesque sunset stroll along the harbor with a slow-burning ballad of hope and romance. However, the band’s journey isn’t all physical. In her review of their last album, 2012’s The Joy, Sarah Godfrey of the Washington Post made favorable comparisons to Frank Ocean and Miguel, praising the pair’s “mold-shattering work” and its ability to grab hold of fleeting emotional moments. This kind of praise is what makes the excitement—and expectations—for the duo’s new album, Almost Us, even more acute.

Celebrate with Milo & Otis during their Almost Us release show at Double Door on Thursday, April 3. Doors open at 8 p.m., and the show starts at 9 p.m. No Name Gypsy and SHE open. 21+. Tickets are $7–$10 and can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy of the artist