Mieka Pauley: Out of
Car Wrecks and Hurricanes
May 2006
By: Lauren
Jonik |
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The term
"road-warrior" usually conjures the image of a road-weary and
world-wary bands, not a captivating performer whose voice is as
smokey and soulful as it is smooth. But, for Boston based
singer/songwriter Mieka Pauley, relentless touring has been an
integral part of developing both her fanbase and her sound. Perhaps
it is from delivering the five songs that appear on her latest EP,
Out of Car Wrecks and Hurricanes, to audiences far and wide,
but Pauley's voice exudes a certain poise and confidence that only
comes from gaining experience both in one's craft and in the art of
living itself.
In the first track,
Stronger, Pauley goes from a purr to a roar as the song
crescendos to from the last verse into the final chorus. We come
back stronger / We come back stronger / That is all you'll see. .
. Self-assured, this is an artist who stands firmly upon the
ground she walks upon, whether it's in the depths of hell or amidst
clouds of happiness. The Way It Is, beginning with vocals and
guitar, before being joined by drums is the most reminiscent of
Pauley's solo performances--- intimate and at times, almost
confessional. I've never been good, anyway / At not saying things
I shouldn't say.
Produced by John
Alagia whose credits include John Mayer, Rachael Yamagata,
Lifehouse, and Jason Mraz, Out of Car Wrecks and Hurricanes
is decidedly more polished than Pauley's previous EP, but
without compromising the authenticity of the songs--- a true credit
to Pauley's abilities as both a songwriter and as a singer.
Noticeably absent from the EP is Blunt, a song familiar to
Pauley's live audiences that unveils her comedic sensibility and the
realities of life as a working musician. Cultivating longevity can
be especially challenging in today's music industry, but there is
value to be found in pursuing your shining star in the present
moment. In Faster, Pauley sings And I could wait until / I
regained my balance and made the world stand still / But I would
wait forever for my will to be that strong / And as I waited, the
rest of my life would be gone. Aware of the impermanence of
life, in the final track on the EP, Draped In Blue, she
recognizes that even finding a sanctuary can be bittersweet. Even
if I knew / A haven, it's draped in blue / 'Cause I'd have to leave
/ If not now, eventually.
But, in the moody
The First Stone, Pauley sings My past won't leave me alone
/ That song, that song / And I can't help but sing, but sing
along. And, sing she does. Beautifully.
http://www.mieka.com/
http://www.myspace.com/mieka
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