Hannah Miller - O Black River

Hannah Miller – O Black River
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.