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Band Profile: Medalye
Band Profile: Medalye
In the Moscow music scene, Max Medalye was the leader and songwriter of the Brit-rock band Milkmanns. Formed in 2012, the band quickly became a staple in Moscow’s indie rock circles, performing at iconic venues like 16 Tons and the 7,000-capacity Adrenaline Stadium (now VK Stadium), playing support for the Latvian rock legends Brainstorm. Milkmanns embraced British guitar music, blending it with the melancholic nature of Russian rock, which resonated with audiences for over a decade.
However, after moving to Israel in 2022, Max embarked on a journey to reestablish himself as an artist in a new cultural environment. In September 2023, he met two inspirational creatives—Alexey Lermontov and Alexandra Eriklinceva. Together, they decided to work as a power rock trio under the Medalye banner.
Medalye’s songs reflect the band’s distinctive indie rock sound, infused with elements of electronica and indie pop. Max’s DIY approach is especially evident, as he played all the instruments on most of the released tracks. His bass lines anchor songs like “Ripples”, where disco-tinged rhythms drive the track forward, while his guitar work on “Summer” and “Cold Fashion” recalls his Britpop roots from Moscow. However, Medalye is not a classic rock band like Milkmanns. The band is ready to invade new territories, fusing distorted guitars with modern pop production.
Miriam Komissar
Psychedelic and classic rock influences also find their way into Max’s songwriting. “Darts & Cards (Awaiting Home)” features multi-layered vocal passages that create a dreamlike, immersive atmosphere reminiscent of Temples and Tame Impala. “Labyrinth Dream” leans even further into ambient soundscapes that get delightfully disturbed by Jack White-influenced heavy guitar riffs. Max’s ability to blend these influences without losing the emotional weight of his songwriting is what makes his music stand out. He’s constantly experimenting, but always with an ear toward accessibility.
There is also a much softer side to Medalye’s music. Ballads like “Just Another Day” and “Burn Out” completely bare his true feelings. Lush orchestration and use of acoustic guitars and piano are reminiscent of classic rock acts like The Beatles and Elton John, but the crisp production makes it clear that these songs are mostly about looking forward.
Miriam Komissar
Beyond the studio, Medalye’s live performances have solidified the band’s reputation as a rock trio to watch. In Tel Aviv, the band played several notable shows, including performances at Yung Yidish, Hamiflat Studio, and Ozen. That setting — Medalye on guitar and vocals, Lermontov on bass, and Eriklinceva on drums — brings a raw energy that transforms their studio sound into something more aggressive and visceral on stage. Max’s use of the pedal board during concerts allows the band to sound like it’s much more than three people playing simultaneously. Overall, the group’s live shows highlight their ability to inject punk rock rigor into their music while maintaining the melodic core that defines their sound.
The future holds further solo singles and collaborations recorded in Israel, as Max prepares to expand his musical journey into new territories across Europe and the UK. A new guitar-driven single is scheduled for release by the end of this year, and one thing is clear: Medalye is only getting started.
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