Rating: NNN
Traditional folk-roots with a pervading sense of melancholy, Together And Alone is a stripped-down offering with some fine guitar playing and nice melodies. Myles is greatly talented, singing thoughtful lyrics in a voice that ranges from a clear pitch to a rugged whispery growl, and the judicious addition of organ and piano adds to his good ol’ Canadian version of alt-country ambience. On its own, each track is pretty impressive and touching and whatnot, but as a whole the album feels oppressive, relying too heavily on a relentlessly slow tempo and woebegone-ness. Howl dogs, howl. It’s still quite charming, and fans of sparse alt-rootsy music who love to sit through gigs without saying a word will love this.
Myles bares his lonesome soul at the Free Times Wednesday (July 27).
