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
