Kelley Michwee is stepping out from her band, The Trishas,
with her first solo EP release, “You Used To Live Here.” And that’s a bold
move, because the Trishas first album, “High, Wide and Handsome,” was a
masterpiece of Americana rhythms and gorgeous vocal harmonies. But when the
band decided to take an “open ended” break, she had little choice.
From the first chords of “River Girl” it’s apparent that
Kelley isn’t trying to create a carbon copy of her former band. Sounding like a
Country version of Aretha Franklin, she dives deeper into a style I can only
call “Country Soul.” Blues guitar and Hammond organ punctuate her vocal
phrasing to create a beautiful Nashville/Memphis synergy that’s reminiscent of
Dusty Springfield’s seminal, “Dusty In Memphis” album.
In “River Girl,” Kelley sings, “I just want to sleep all day
- rain on my roof. The river keeps rising, ain’t that the truth. It can wash me
away, down to the sea - rolling and tumbling. So honey won’t you play a song
for me.” Seeking comfort from circumstances beyond her control, the song and
the EP are the perfect metaphor for her new found musical independence.
“Take Me Home,” again shows a woman longing to belong as
Kelley sings, “Sing for me, quietly. Walk with me, slowly. Dance with me. Smile
for me. Comfort me. Hold me. Somehow I ended up tattered and torn. Take me
home.” Taken by itself, this song might be mistaken for a desperate pick up
line. But in context, you can hear Kelley yearning for the comfort of her old
bandmates and struggling with how to find a new “home” on her own.
In “Beautiful Accidents,” Kelley adds another layer of
double meaning. Behind the story of accidental encounters that lead to happily
ever afters, Kelley reveals her ability to make peace with her new found solo
status as she sings, “Left turns and right turns get us here. All these
beautiful accidents over the years, they look good on you.” (and on Kelley
too!)
“You Used To Live Here” and “Blameless” continue the musical
healing process for Kelley. And as a listener, you can’t help but marvel at the
strength and courage of an artist to so openly face such a major life and
career transition – and make such beautiful art from it all.
“Hotel Jackson” and “Dark Side Of Town,” reveal a new and
transformed Kelly Mickwee - stronger and more confident. Putting the past
behind her, she steps out (both musically and literally) unafraid to go after
what she wants. And with this EP she succeeds.
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