David Michael Miller treads the Same Soil as his heroes. In this case, said heroes are the usual suspects for any rootsy Americana singer/songwriter steeped in the blues: Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed and Bo Diddley. Hailing from a vibrant Buffalo, New York indie scene that rivals Austin, Miller has upped the ante on this, his sophomore release. If his Poisons Sipped debut was promising, this one is over-the-top, especially when you consider the validity of his authentic vision. He recorded over half of the album with pre-World War II instruments and antiquated microphone techniques.
All original, filled with the same kind of dusty, back-road loner anthems as he had on his debut like the apt opener, "All The Blues To You," "Shoes To Shine," "Needle To The Wheel," "Born To Lose," the apt closer "Man's Got Thing's To Do" and six more odes to hard-fought independence, it's hard not to feel this guy's pain. Plus, he's brought in some heavyweights to fulfill his vision from the bands of none other than Bonnie Raitt, Billy Vera, Albert Collins and Buddy Guy.
Dedicated to his grandfather who passed away during its recording, Same Soil is certainly no downer. Through his experiences, he ferrets out an ironic upbeat joy at life itself. Miller started his career in a hippie jam band, Dive House Union. He's opened for the biggest and the best when they pass through Buffalo. His touring band, Miller and The Other Sinners, is new and, if there's any musical justice, should be in your town eventually.
Same Soil should put him on the map. There's acoustic rock'n'roll, funky shuffles, gospel influences, the kind of balladry that's the direct opposite of those awful "power ballads" that litter the airwaves and electric blues-rock, all coalescing into a graceful effort with class and balls.
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