Depreciated
Rounder, 2021
9/10
The debut album from the West Virginia native John R. Miller, the guitarist and singer-songwriter brings a rich set of pipes to country, folk, and even bluegrass influenced songs that suit the panhandle near the Potomac River where he grew up.
Miller starts the listen with the bouncy bass lines and warm guitar of the breezy “Lookin’ Over My Shoulder”, and the climate stays just as memorable with the strategic Wurlitzer from Robbie Crowell and fiddle bouts by Chloe Edmonstone on “Borrowed Time”.
“Coming Down” lands in the middle, and displays both grit and melody with Miller’s agile acoustic guitar flowing alongside Adam Meisterhans’ electric guitar, while “Old Dance Floor” is a rugged and tuneful rootsy rocker where John Clay’s thumping drums accent the driving pace. “Back And Forth”, one of the record’s best, then touches on more traditional country ideas, where John Looney’s mandolin makes a big impression.
Near the end, “Half Ton Van” makes good use of Russ Pahl’s moody pedal steel amid the playful Americana, and “Fire Dancer” exits the listen with a bare approach that showcases gentle electric guitar from Miller and sparing Wurlitzer to complement the poetic, rural beauty.
It’s hard to believe that this is just his first album, cause Miller delivers like a seasoned veteran on a listen that possesses no shortage of influences from names like Earle, Prine or even similar punk rock royalty from the Virginia’s, Tim Barry.
Travels well with: Steve Earle & The Dukes- Ghosts Of West Virginia; Chris Laterzo- West Coast Sound