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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