Unfortunately, this saturation of sensitive men makes it difficult for a well-intentioned guy such as Peter Miles to make a name for himself. On his debut, “Live Life Live,” the Gray-based singer-songwriter wisely captures a spirited 2007 Vermont date, offering vivaciousness which can sometimes be swallowed in the studio. Opener “Ride On” welcomes the listener to an intimate affair, with steady guitar work anchoring Miles’ surprisingly versatile voice — boy band-smooth runs precede throaty soul, often in the same line.
With an impressive range and solid falsetto, Miles’ vocals are the true star. But the songwriting also pops. “Walking a Thin Line” offers a dark, sultry guitar line which is reminiscent of Patty Larkin at her best, building an atmosphere rarely achieved by solo artists. “The Truth Is Enough” chances a unique lead melody with bold chord changes, yet the result is cohesive. One of the most inspired moments is a soulful take on “Change The World,” a tepid song most popularly recorded by Eric Clapton. While the original practically defines MOR, Miles squeezes new life out of the track, adding plenty of flair to his passionate delivery.
While the lyrics are far better than schmaltzy contemporary fare such as Mayer’s inexplicable 2002 hit, “Your Body Is A Wonderland,” Miles definitely stays safe, drawing upon vague metaphors and flights of fancy. But when a singer sounds this good, it doesn’t make much difference what words are delivered.
Perhaps the most disappointing aspect of the disc is the recording quality, which allows for too much crowd chatter at points. But the spark ignited by Miles can be perceived even above the mumbling. Hopefully listeners will be able to discern Miles from a crowded field of acoustic cohorts, and a string of upcoming fall dates will allow this unique disc, released to little fanfare last winter, to achieve more exposure.
Maine native William Earl is a musician and music writer. He’s currently living in Boston but has his ears on Maine-made music.