Blake Miller – Together With Cats

This entry was posted by ed abbett on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2006 at 11:17 am.

2006, Exit Stencil

19-year-old Blake Miller has produced a decidedly solid first release with Together With Cats, although it suffers a bit from a focus on quantity over quality.

Many of the songs are pretty and interesting (and pretty interesting)—notably tracks like “Your Own Tree” and the swirling “International”—but others like “Sinners” stick out as poorly-mixed and simplistic in contrast to songs that showcase Miller’s true strengths: unique arrangements and vocal harmonies.

Miller should be proud, though, of what he has created. Reminiscent of Modest Mouse’s Sad Sappy Sucker in places, though perhaps better-executed, the self-recorded Together With Cats holds a similar promise for what’s to come. Given an accommodating studio, the sky would be the limit. We’ve been assured that the next one will be different.

B+