Member:
jlneudorf
(Profile)
(All Album Reviews by jlneudorf)
Date:
3/1/2010
Format:
CD (Album)
Rick Miller is a Canadian artist who has been around for a number of years. His debut album, Starsong, was released in 1984. His new album, Falling Through Rainbows, was released in 2009 on the Unicorn Digital label. On his new album, Miller has a number of guest musicians including Sara Young (flute), Mateusz Swobodo (cello), Kane Miller (guitars, violin) and Will S (percussion). Miller provides vocals, keyboards, guitars, Mellotron and bass.
Miller lists Genesis, Pink Floyd, Alan Parsons and early Moody Blues as influences and upon hearing this the first time, bits and pieces of those artists comes through in Miller's music. The music has a soothing dream-like quality and flows quite beautifully from track to track. There are no tricky time changes or complicated musicianship. Instead, Miller clearly focuses on songwriting and the emphasis is placed on melody and not instrumental virtuosity.
The songs are mostly mellow, slow tempo affairs, with keys used to fill in the background, giving these songs a wistful quality with just the right amount of atmosphere. Miller provides excellent guitar throughout with some cutting lead work ala Gilmour. His vocals are also a highlight as his voice seems to be cut from the same cloth as Justin Hayward and David Gilmour, very soothing, tuneful and melodic.
Some of the album's highlights include the mellow, progressive folk sounds of "Rose Coloured Halls" where The Moody Blues influence comes shining through and the melodic "This Heart of Mine" where lovely lead and background vocals and biting lead guitar had this reviewer quite impressed.
Although the songs keep a similar slow pace and Miller's music is not the most original I have heard, I never found this a boring listen, mostly because its so darn melodic and at just over forty-six minutes, the music sounds fresh and vibrant, never having a chance to wear out its welcome.
If melodic mellow sounds is what you seek in the vein of the aforementioned bands, I urge you to check out Falling Through Rainbows. It should give you plenty to enjoy.
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