Miles Miller/Solid Gold/Thirty Tigers
Three out of Five Stars
Miles Miller describes his new album Solid Gold as a love story, one that describes the feelings associated with being in love, followed by the despair and disappointment of watching that same love fade. A song cycle of sorts, it shares a trajectory about the various phases of romance, from hopeful beginnings to the sadness that occurs when it eventually ends.
Several songs describe that scenario explicitly. The remorse imbued in “A Feeling Called Lonesome” leaves no doubt as to the futile feelings that transpire when relationships fail and it becomes clear that they won’t be revived. The heartbreak is also evident in songs such as “I Wish,” “Always November,” “Where Daniel Stood,” and “Even If,” all thoughtful, tender softly-lit ballads conveyed in a subdued style.
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Although Solid Gold marks Miller’s first outing on his own, he can claim an impressive backstory. A native of central Kentucky, he was initially discovered by producer Dave Cobb after Cobb caught him playing drum covers on YouTube at the age of 16. Miller spent his formative musical years touring as a drummer for various artists and ensembles, including Sturgill Simpson and Town Mountain. Not surprisingly, Simpson opted to produce Miller’s solo debut, courtesy of sessions that took place in Nashville in the early weeks of 2022.
Miller’s move away from his drum kit and the decision to develop his guitar skills and simultaneously focus on his songwriting has resulted in a work that certainly shows plenty of promise. The aforementioned ballads are especially affecting, but occasionally Miller elevates the energy level in an attempt to maintain some momentum. “Don’t Give Away Love” is as insistent as the title implies, while “Seeing Clear” imparts a similarly upbeat dynamic. Still, the mood is mostly mellow throughout, keeping to a tone and tempo befitting the seriousness of the scenario imparted overall.
Granted, there’s a certain downcast disposition inherent throughout, It can get somewhat morose, Still, as an initial effort, one can say it’s far more promising than pessimistic.