Adam Miller
Illusion Pool EP
Inner Magic
December 15, 2023
Web Exclusive
On Illusion Pool, Adam Miller takes center stage. The five-track EP is Miller's final release since the breakup of Chromatics (a band he was a founding member of) and, in a slight shift from the organic, oceanic sound of his debut Gateway, Illusion Pool it is his first solo project that strongly features his vocals. On some tracks Miller's voice is rough and stiff against dark, throbbing backgrounds. to others, it sounds sad and light. Although there are still some tracks here where he doesn't sing, Illusion Pool it feels like Miller is playing with the idea of the frontman, trying different ways to play the lead role. The EP is an opportunity for experimentation from an artist whose vocal output has so far been shy and hidden.
On “Everybody's Been Burned,” a cover of The Byrds' song of the same name, Miller's vocals pour like mud over the cold expanse of the track, set off by a sparse, dark orchestration and David Crosby's wistful lyrics. It's still a somewhat timid vocal performance, but the song succeeds nonetheless because it uses Miller's voice as an instrument, a low note humming over the track's throbbing beat, acting as another layer to its murky soundscape. From an emotional standpoint, “Everybody's Been Burned” is pleasantly reminiscent of Chromatics' earlier work: the moments where the shimmering guitars cut through the track's wintry mist and the song's glow and shimmer make it sound like it could be taken straight from the Night driving Record.
On the other hand, the EP's title track is a completely different showcase of Miller's solo talents than 'Everybody's Been Burned'. It is dreamy and pleasant. Miller's vocals here are bolstered by a backing performance from singer Heidi Saperstein, which gives the track a sense of exuberance. This song is the closest the EP comes to a simple pop cut, with catchy lyrics (“I poured all my love into an illusion pool/And it breaks my heart to watch them mirror you”) and a giddy drum section. It's certainly the EP's most accessible and engaging section, as close to an unashamedly catchy popstar moment as Miller comes.
Your pleasure Illusion Pool it may well depend on your tolerance for its incoherent, showcase nature, the different directions it pushes and pulls you in. short run of 18 minutes. For example, despite the pleasant glow of the title track, “Camera” is frozen and fragile, with a lonely vocal performance from Miller. Otherwise, the instrumental closer “Vincent” is almost twee, with its amazing combination of atmosphere and Americana.
For this reviewer, it's exciting to hear Adam Miller mix different colors of the tried and true Chromatics palette, try out different hats, and showcase his repertoire. After all, Illusion Pool it's a solid release because regardless of the shape of the individual tracks, everything is expertly executed and its sound is consistently captivating. As a showcase of Miller's solo persona, it's exciting and suggests a promise of a possible full-length future where Miller might be ready to present his talents as a more holistic package, rather than a disparate collection of strong ideas. (www.mradammiller.bandcamp.com/album/adam-miller-illusion-pool-ep)
Author Rating: 7/10
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Average reader rating: 4/10