Muruch

So there’s been a lot of buzz lately about a certain band’s recent donation-based internet release. But I’m much more interested in Mieka Pauley, who is using a similar fan-supported online gimmick for her resplendent independent release Elijah Drop Your Gun. Mieka makes the kind of soulful, bluesy pop-folk that will probably end up on Grey’s Anatomy soon, or at least garner her comparisons to KT Tunsall. But her voice and lyrics remind me a little more of Ray LaMontagne‘s debut. Elijah Drop Your Gun slides between beguiling quiet moments and shivery wails of lamentation.

The opening track “All The Same Mistakes” – which I shared here last spring – is my probably favourite. The melody is a simple one, just a step above acoustic. But the intimate lyrics and the emotive lilt of Mieka’s pretty voice make this subtle song shine until it explodes at the end in a cacophony of vocals and music.

The vocals and guitars are much fiercer on “Be Like The Man”, “Secret”, and “Stronger”. “Bravely” and “Fate Day By Day” are the kind of songs that fit the aforementioned soulful pop-folk description. “9:45″ is another highlight, with building guitar riffs and Mieka’s robust voice glittering with beauty and emotion. But it’s on “Run” – the lyrics of which give the disc its title – that Mieka really sets her pipes free.

“Left To God” is whisper soft and intensely chilling. I don’t know if the song was inspired by the Katrina disaster, but it certainly reminds me of it. And “Drop The Blue” is a fittingly climatic finale.

I liked what I’d heard of Mieka’s music before, but I must admit I didn’t expect a lot from this album. Saying that I was pleasantly surprised is an understatement. It’s been a while since I’ve been truly moved by a relatively standard singer-songwriter sound. It’s difficult to find that style exciting from anyone else after hearing the astounding work of Anaïs Mitchell, Damien Dempsey, and Glen Hansard. But Mieka’s ardent singing refreshed the genre for me, in the way that Allison Crowe made me love girls with pianos again.

Mieka Pauley – All The Same Mistakes (mp3)
Mieka Pauley – Left To God (link for pop-up mp3)

Pre-order prices for the Elijah Drop Your Gun CD start at $15 for one autographed CD, increasing for packages with extras like personalized CDs, signed posters, bonus tracks, “season” concert tickets, out of print albums, or even your own in-house concert by Mieka.

Buy @ Artist’s Site
Buy @ Amazon
Mieka Pauley Official Site
Mieka on MySpace