Have you ever tried a meal from some exotic place? Something that really pleases your palette, and is totally unique? That’s how Mile7’s new EP Afterglow tastes er, sounds. Great songs come at you one after another, evoking your emotions and carrying you along on a catchy melodic journey.
The musicianship on the CD is excellent. John Porter’s falsetto on Back to Life will enhance your desire to sing! I can just picture other hacks like me straining to hit the high notes with neck veins popping out, or switching to an unseasoned ‘head voice’ to the chagrin of all spouses and dogs in earshot. Porter makes it sound easy, and the melody is so good, you are guaranteed to sing along!
Jeremy Oliver’s percussion on Back to Life is actually quite intense and fits the song perfectly. At 2:26 there’s a break in the action, and a few seconds later, Porter starts smoothly repeating “You My King Will Reign on High”. At 2:41 the drums kick back in with an enchanting groove. This beat goes on for a few seconds, and at 2:55 the drum roll starts quietly increasing and getting more intricate. The beat crescendos and finally collides with the increasing vocal at 3:25 to form a wave of rock that crashes into the final chorus which ends with “Bring Us Back to Life”. This song is a standout and is guaranteed to liven you up.
Danny Flowe’s bass sound is big and melodic on the title track Afterglow. He and Oliver lay down their usual impressive rhythm behind this intricate song. There are spicy timing changes throughout the cd, and the production of Afterglow is rich, and best enjoyed either played loud, or played loud with headphones. The engineer/producer ‘got it right’ with an intricate mix for your left and right ears.
Porter’s fiddle is another element that seperates this cd from other bands in the same genre. He can play a harmonious classical sound (Love Will Keep Us), or an emotional interlude (How Great You Are). I love the video that Mike from Scarlet Snow shot in Louisville Kentucky of Porter going from melodic violin to pure fiddle-hoedown on the live version of Love Will Keep Us. Click here to check it out!
Evan Cloninger’s impressive guitar work really stands out throughout this cd. He can thrash, play intricate and delicate melodies, make you feel happy or sad, and sometimes all in the same song. He is truly a guitar lover’s guitarist. In Your Debt slayed me. It may seem peculiar to mention beauty and a rock-song in the same sentence, but In Your Debt is truly a beautiful piece of music. The melody grabs you, and Cloninger spins a great guitar riff that immediately burns itself in your brain. His impressive chops contribute largely to the band’s nomination for the prestigious “Rock Artist of the Year Award” through the Indieheaven. Go and vote here. In this song, Porter’s lyrics are ripped from true life as he mentions doing “Stupid things that keep me in Your debt.” He unpacks this concept in the chorus as he bellows this heartfelt conversation with God:
Maybe if I loved you
Just like I said I do
My hand would not have drawn this line through me and youAnd Maybe if you loved me
Just like you say you do
Your grace my King will bring this heart back to you
On Afterglow, Mile7 ask God to draw near:
Spirit come and fill us with your love.
Let your love consume our hearts tonight.
And remind us of God’s forgiveness when we go through hard times:
I’ve been far away from you, still you’ve never cut the line.
This cd is complex like life. If you like your music fresh, exciting, loud, and familiar…and at the same time subdued, introspective and unique, Afterglow is a must have. (Buy the cd here) I am looking forward to hearing more, and catching a live show! MORE FIDDLE!!
Jason Elkins
Jason@TransparentYou.com
Leave a Reply