When South-Londoner Misty Miller brought her first album to the UK's collective ears, folk pretty much had her down as, well, Folk. Amidst a bunch of artists during the early 'tennies' successfully giving the genre a nudge, and with a powerful whilst playful vocal capability, Miller's ukulele fueled soulful vibe was well received and it seemed a given that her following would grow. Almost five years on, Miller and band are here at the wonderful and, tonight at least, intimate-feeling Brudenell Social Club in Leeds, showing some fifty or so punters how much she has come on since swapping the older fashioned stringed instrument for a Gibson SG-X.
While Miller kicks off with a traditional slower, solo number, 'Anything for You', this is one of only a few of this tempo this evening, with her band opting to kick out a more Punk-cum-Surf Rock sound throughout. No Doubt's debut album came to mind during their next few numbers, 'If I Was Your Girlfriend' definitely so, in its switching from frenzied drum beats to reverb drenched swaying guitars and back again, Miller's vocals very much on a par with the strength of one Gwen Stefani's and packing a fine "close to shattering the bar's glass collection" punch. While her guitar playing ain't too shabby, it is without question Miller's voice which is her Top Trumps secret weapon and she uses it well.
Still extremely fresh-faced - and rightly so, at a mere twenty one years of age - Miller is a little cheeky looking; mischievous possibly a more accurate description. With her hair swept up in a swirl toward a back-knot, a Jesus sporting crown of thorns emblazoned t-shirt and tight black skirt, the tattoo-adorned Miller looks hardcore, not really what you might have expected if going by her earlier musical offerings. She has confidence and is strong in presence, much like her voice, which holds fantastically well from start to finish and belts along whether delivering a slower ballad or a fast paced rock song. She has much to tell us about her short and yet successful life: sleeping with boyfriend's mates ('Best Friend' was extremely well received by all), dating models and junkies (or not, as was this song's advice). One Direction's 'Steal My Girl' was an interesting choice of cover, although again this showed her mischievous nature and was perhaps there simply to remind us of her being very much a part of what is termed 'youth'.
The entire gig was a bit of a giggle as it goes, with plenty of banter from Miller in particular - including offering out her bassist Charlie at 50p a snog (25p if you're a bloke) - and Tom (guitar) and Aaron (drums) helping to dish out the laughs. The crowd, although nowhere near as large as it can be at the Brudenell venue, joined in with the merriment and provided the odd remark here and there. It was great to hear Miller admit that she loves to play in Leeds; it's probably safe to say that Leeds would be fine with having her back.
FUTURE GIGS
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