Hannah Miller – O BlackRiver
2011, Hannah Miller Music
2011, Hannah Miller Music
Alabama –born Nashville transplant (by way of Columbia, SouthCarolina), 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 thatsimply can’t be bought. Her songwritingis as organic as her voice. Miller’slatest effort, O Black River¸ is a six-song set due out onSeptember 27, 2011. It is among her mostaccomplished works to date.
O Black Riveropens with the title track, a melancholy revivalist hymn to the water. Miller brings out the dark beauty of humansuffering with a voice that is smoky and lush; this is a great start. “To The Swift” is a slinky, bluesy turn; asong of self-searching with an entrancing vocal line. “Bleed Out” is a low-key diary-style numberthat shows off Miller’s impressive voice. On “Foolish Pride” is a darkly private affair, showing off a distinctivevulnerability, followed by a surprising and somehow not contradictory core ofstrength. “Elijah” is the star of theEP, a wonderfully written number with an unforgettable chorus. Miller shows off a sparkling pop sensibilitywoven into the seams of the supple folk/Americana arrangement. This is a Wow moment. Miller closes with “Refuge”, a gorgeous lovesong that blends the elements of folk with the soul and groove of classicR&B.
Hannah Miller is an absolute breath of fresh air. A one-of-a-kind voice; songwriting sprungfrom the roots of the Deep South, and a subtle pop sensibility running throughit all that keeps everything fresh. O Black River is going to get Millersome serious attention.
Rating: 4.5 Stars(Out of 5)
Learn more about Hannah Miller at www.hannahmillermusic.com or www.myspace.com/hannahmiller. O BlackRiver is available digitally from Amazon.com.