Hannah Miller – O Black
River
2011, Hannah Miller Music
2011, Hannah Miller Music
Alabama –born Nashville transplant (by way of Columbia, South
Carolina), Hannah Miller sings the soul of the Deep South. Compared to artists such as Neko Case, Feist,
Liz Phair and Basia Bulat, Miller sings with a deep-rooted authenticity that
simply can’t be bought. Her songwriting
is as organic as her voice. Miller’s
latest effort, O Black River¸ is a six-song set due out on
September 27, 2011. It is among her most
accomplished works to date.
O Black River
opens with the title track, a melancholy revivalist hymn to the water. Miller brings out the dark beauty of human
suffering with a voice that is smoky and lush; this is a great start. “To The Swift” is a slinky, bluesy turn; a
song of self-searching with an entrancing vocal line. “Bleed Out” is a low-key diary-style number
that shows off Miller’s impressive voice.
On “Foolish Pride” is a darkly private affair, showing off a distinctive
vulnerability, followed by a surprising and somehow not contradictory core of
strength. “Elijah” is the star of the
EP, a wonderfully written number with an unforgettable chorus. Miller shows off a sparkling pop sensibility
woven into the seams of the supple folk/Americana arrangement. This is a Wow moment. Miller closes with “Refuge”, a gorgeous love
song that blends the elements of folk with the soul and groove of classic
R&B.
Hannah Miller is an absolute breath of fresh air. A one-of-a-kind voice; songwriting sprung
from the roots of the Deep South, and a subtle pop sensibility running through
it all that keeps everything fresh. O Black River is going to get Miller
some serious attention.
Rating: 4.5 Stars
(Out of 5)
Learn more about Hannah Miller at www.hannahmillermusic.com or www.myspace.com/hannahmiller. O Black
River is available digitally from Amazon.com.
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