Sean E. Miller – Everywhere I Roam – Album Review

Petoskey, Michigan singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, performer, music festival board member, and journalist, Sean Miller, began his musical journey at the tender age of four. Percussion led to piano, which in turn led to the guitar as well as Oakland University where he studied as a music education major.

“…the Michigan music scene is a very friendly and supportive one and I’ve had a lot of help to get me to where I’m at today.”

His efforts with both his band, The Real Ingredients, as well as his solo endeavors, have afforded Miller the opportunities to perform around the country at venues such as Blissfest, Folk Alliance Region Midwest, Farm Fest and many others.

Following up his band’s debut album, Breaking Out, Breaking Through, is Sean’s debut solo album, the authentically blue collar and appropriately titled, Everywhere I Roam.

HERE’S WHAT WE DUG MOST…

Opening with, Couldn’t Make This House A Home, this melancholy, acoustic composition tells the story of young, one-way love where one person does the loving, and the other soaks it up, preparing all along for the departure…

“The both of us were drunk but we didn’t care
Still hopped in the car and shifted into gear
We were driving you’re hand was on my knee
But I know you were never thinking of me…”

OUR FAVORITE TRACK… A gorgeous testament to appreciating the moment, the ones who love us now, the home we’re in now, the gifts we have now; Canned Peaches unites a touch of etheric synth tones with Miller’s subtle timbre to create a beautiful and radio-ready ballad. It’s our favorite on the album…

“Oh, it all ends eventually
The flowers the honey bees
No more peaches for next year
Remember what you’ve got while it’s here…

It will never be the same
Memories fade like pictures in a frame
And when we’re left picking up the pieces
We’ll always remember your…
Canned Peaches.”

Simple and sparkling harmonies and a delicate acoustic melody support the most tender of messages in, Phone Call Smiles.

You’re probably on a plane somewhere.
But I don’t care…

Based in Madison, WI, we at The Ark of Music feel the love in the album’s title track, Everywhere I Roam, which pays homage to the gorgeous lands and people of the midwest USA…

“All the girls are pretty too
From Madison to Kalamazoo
But you know me I’m passing through
Making bread to eat it too

Everywhere I roam
Across these Midwestern roads
It’s all the same
I can call it all my home…”

Despair meets redemption in, Man On A Roof. Be sure to stick around to the end as the slow, reflective, emotional build culminates in the album’s lone dynamic electric solo at 2:52.

IN CONCLUSION…
Lyrically wonderful. Musically warm and soft—yet weathered and durable. A strong, substantive effort in the acoustic-singer-songwriter tradition. Sean Miller’s debut solo album, Everywhere I Roam, is a lovely amalgamation of relatable writing, skilled and ambient execution, and professional-grade production.

There’s something completely and totally innocent about Miller’s style. Without pretension or melodrama, the album weaves its way around stories of regret and hope, fear and courage, and love in its many forms—particularly for home. As I journeyed my way across the album, I was continually surprised by the writing and the crescendo of emotion that seems to encapsulate the entire project. As evidenced by these seven songs, it’s clear that Sean is focused and disciplined in his work. But he’s also wise enough to know when to hold back and let time and the universe do its work. Check out Everywhere I Roam below.

WHOSE LOVECHILD…?
James Taylor meets J. Bell & The Lazy Susan Band with a twist of Storyhill…

BELOW: Check out our full artist interview with Sean Miller, listen to his album, Everywhere I Roam, connect with his website and social media platforms, check out his live show/tour schedule, and find his booking & contact information. Please support Sean E. Miller by visiting him online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing his music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!