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Non-Prog CD Reviews

Sheri Miller

Mantra

Review by Gary Hill

Sheri Miller’s EP shows that not only is she a great singer, but also an excellent songwriter with a lot of versatility. The music on the CD covers a wide range of sounds and textures. There is only one track here that I feel doesn’t quite cut it. Any of the other songs can stand tall against the music of nearly any singer/songwriter. Sheri Miller should have a long and successful career ahead of her if there is any justice in the music industry.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2008  Volume 4 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
Waste My Breath
Starting with percussion, as the guitar and voice enter this one feels like something John Lennon might have written to me at times. I also hear some Tori Amos in the midst here in there, despite the fact that this is guitar based. It’s a powerful balladic number that just plain rocks.
Mantra (I'm in Love)
This comes in with a piano basis, but it’s a bit jazzy (meaning that the ghost of Tori Amos is not to be found here). It’s essentially a mellow jazz ballad that’s pretty and yet powerful. It takes on a more powered up identity as it carries forward. Additional musical layers and elements help to drive it to higher levels, but truly Miller’s voice is the driving force on this piece.
Devil In White
Here we get treated to a real rocker. This definitely has hints of country music in its midst. It’s a great tune and shows just how diverse Miller is, both in terms of a songwriter and a performer. I like this one a lot.
All He Has to Do
If there’s a let down on the CD, this would be it. The folk texture of this one really feels too much like some of the schlocky folk rock that came out in the late 1960’s and 1970’s.
Right Here, Right Now
Now, this is what folk rock should sound like. It’s not fluffy but powerful. It’s a folk ballad style tune and is quite powerful. There are some hints of country on this one and Miller’s vocals steal the show on this.
The Blade
This is a powerful piece of music. It’s nearly prog rock in some ways. In fact, I’d say that presented on a different album of music it would be considered an anthemic prog ballad. Whatever you want to call it, though, this is a great song and an excellent way to end the disc.
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