How Are You? No, Really...How Are You? - Eli Kahn (Album Review)

If you’re a gigging musician in the Midwest, chances are you’ve heard of Eli Kahn. This South Bend native is a household name in indie music, from hybrid guitar virtuosity to improvisational loop-sculpting to a distinct artistic presence with such recent collaborative projects like the optical illusion installation at Pier Park. For 2021, listeners are treated to a new collection of tunes from Eli, ones that capture a lo-fi beat aesthetic through hours of writing, multi-instrumental performing, and home recording and engineering. How Are You? No, Really...How Are You? is the best example of Eli Kahn at his most genuine and creative.

Right away, you feel the hours of production in every nook and cranny with the tune “Acceptance,” a sonic unfurling of thematic sounds listeners can expect to enjoy throughout the record. This tune feels like when you pull into your driveway after a long trip and you’re resting on the patio; it feels like home. The lush guitar sounds dotted with subtle percussive textures makes this tune a warm welcome to introduce the record. “Lost in the Sauce” cooks up a delicious stew of tape-hiss, bubbly pocket piano, and reverb-laden drum sounds that are a beautiful sum of its parts, much like a good sauce. Sure, you can pick out the spice blend and maybe even the types of tomatoes used in this Ragu, but every mouthful is a moment to sink into. “Take a Walk on the Mild Side” picks things up with a more active bassline to kick off the groove and the warm, R&B/Soul harmonies keep things light and positive. “Pushing Thru” has this cool pairing of electric guitar and bells for the melody that stands out so clear from the lush accompaniment of oscillating synth blips and expansive pads. The harmonization between the guitar and synth serves as a great high point without taking away from the mood of the overall tune, showing an attention to songwriting as much as production. 

“Stepping into the Unknown” serves as a dreamy transitional song to then open up into “(In My Dreams We) Levitate,” which features Last Gasp Collective member and in-demand West Michigan cellist/emcee/producer Jordan Hamilton. The acoustic guitar riff, hypnotically staying the same throughout the tune, pairs so beautifully with the additional string expressions, it’s a standout for me on this record and begs to be paired to film. “The Reawakening'' starts with some much-approved warbly guitar and bass, with the tune opening up to blend acoustic and electric sounds on a descending melody that is guaranteed to get stuck in your head. The title track feels like someone checking in, calming things back down with the soft plucks of a kalimba against smooth guitar lines. “Ripples on the Water” somehow sonically details that feeling of letting a river take you downstream and allowing your senses to delight in the scenery and sounds of that perfect summer day. The ending even feels like reaching the lake this river would empty into, settling the current and treating you to a beautiful view of the open water. Finally, “Cosmic Garden” leaves listeners with one parting gift: a catchy melody nestled in a comfortable soundscape. 

What Eli Kahn has done with this record cannot be overstated. He has successfully blended his influences into original songwriting, borrowing elements from various muses that are made unique by his careful attention to detail. Every inch of this record is filled with something to enjoy: layered percussion backbeats, dreamy synths, spacious guitar accompaniments, and a cohesiveness that is palpable throughout. Equal parts nostalgia and cinematic expression through a sharpened tool set of instruments and production, this release shows Eli firing on all cylinders. If you’re looking for the perfect music to vibe to this summer, Eli has you more than covered!

Support Eli Kahn!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elikahnmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elikahnmusic/
Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/elikahnmusic
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/02NVKuJEatxb1WGtWwJofa?si=C5414OJXS2eJsuxAN-dELw
Bandcamp: https://elikahnmusic.bandcamp.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCu9ooSnD_pztigrNJAlwGgQ
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/elikahnmusic

Album Credits:
Produced/Engineered/Written by Eli Kahn at The After Ours Spot
Mixed by Kevin Kozel & Eli Kahn at Third Coast Recording Company
Mastered by Ian Gorman at La Luna Recording & Sound
Strings on "(In My Dreams We) Levitate" by Jordan Hamilton
Beat Programming on "Cosmic Garden" by ECSO

Acoustic version of “Ripples on the Water”

Everywhere I Roam - Sean Miller (Album Review)

Sean Miller has embodied music from an early age. He grew up taking piano lessons and has traveled as a percussionist at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) and the Society of Ethnomusicology (SEM) among his achievements in high school ensembles. This Petoskey-born artist then taught himself guitar, drawing from players like Gregory Alan Isakov and John Mayer alike. With his guitar skills, he then began performing around the state with this group, The Real Ingredients, while also exploring solo avenues with his first demo recordings in 2018. He has also recorded songs with Katie Larson (The Accidentals), opened for artists like Brotha James and Seth Bernard, and has even performed private showcases at the Folk Alliance Regional Midwest (FARM) convention in Grand Rapids. Now, for 2020, Sean Miller recently released his debut album, Everywhere I Roam, and it is a true testament to his upbringing in music and the many journeys he has already been on as an artist.

Right away, listeners are taken to his hometown with “Couldn’t Make This House A Home,” a tale of young love, big dreams, and the pain that comes from someone close moving away. The instrumentation is kept simple to let the lyrics shine, with guitar, bass and drums supporting. “Fly On” longs to find his lost love while trying to travel around, hoping that the stars or some hand drawn maps will guide him. With “Canned Peaches,” the instrumentation builds so beautifully to support his lyricism with strings and organ, giving some warmth to a nostalgic song about family memories. All in all, it is probably my personal favorite track on the album due to how naturally everything is put together. “Phone Call Smiles” reminds you that wherever you are, you are always a phone call and a pleasant conversation away, and the tune has a beautiful back and forth between Sean and guest vocalist Lara Fullford. The title track picks things up, with spirited tales traveling “these Midwestern roads” from “Madison to Kalamazoo.” The album then rounds out succinctly with “Man On A Roof,” an emotional tune that highlights Sean’s vocal range and guitar skills, and “Oh Red Star,” a song that almost begs for the audience to clap and sing along in celebration.

Everywhere I Roam may be Sean’s stories to tell, but the words ring true in many of our lives. We all seek love and community, we love to briefly travel back to fond memories, and we’re always searching on life’s journey. Each track puts you in a time and place, stirring up those feelings of when life had simpler meaning and times with your friends seemed like they were endless. There is a feeling of nostalgia that drives the narrative in this album, and it plays out like sonic comfort food. Whether you’ve put in as many miles driving around the Midwest or if you’re looking for some feel-good music, Sean Miller’s debut album centers around his honest delivery, heartwarming stories, and solid roots in the Michigan music community. 

Website: https://www.seanmillermusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seanmillermusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seanmillermusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLTt3cTRqMxBhWcTeXyBuWA
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/1VdHBG84tTFLWVORPMIa2H?si=Ssa0rrWvSM-xnigxAsMUKA