Ale Fest returns to Tremont in Lincoln Park on Saturday, July 15th!

Blake Miller

Together With Cats (Exit Stencil Recordings)

By Matthew Chernus on Wed, Apr 4, 2007 at 4:00 am

Blake Miller Parish Hall Thursday, April 5

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Many in the singer-songwriter world may dismiss Columbus' Blake Miller: How can a 19-year-old kid write with any depth, right? But the naysayers will be spitting out their lattes after hearing Together With Cats, a beautiful collection of home recordings released on the local imprint Exit Stencil.

"Sinners" is a hell of a gospel romp; when Miller tells the unrepentant, "God is on your side," his voice recalls Jack White, circa 2000. On "In Our Own Places," Miller looks back at his short life with the wisdom of Tom Waits and the voice of a young James Taylor. Meanwhile, the soft beat-boxing on "Like Birds Pouring out My Sides" best exemplifies Miller's endearingly youthful experimentation. Even better, Cat exudes an appreciation for mood that makes it the perfect post-coitus soundtrack. No shit.