If Arcade Fire discusses the world as adults sharing their troubles from a child’s perspective, The Henry Millers are just the opposite. While the band’s two leading members are just in their early twenties, the group explores an enormous emotional range under an equally large musical landscape. ‘Mr. Flash Gordon’ for instance, discusses the pressures of a dying romance over grinding organs, persistent guitar strums, twinkling mallets and most importantly… a give and take between the group’s two guiding lights that give you an idea of what makes this band such a rare commodity.
Most of these songs are written by John MacCallum, but witnessing him share his woes with good friend/collaborater Katie Schecter live and on record is a big part of what makes you feel so at home with this group. Like you’re sharing a pent-up secret you’ve been holding inside for a long time, with someone you can trust with its importance. The Henry Millers’ outsized honesty and primary consideration for poetic narrative must have something to do with why they chose their band name, or it may just be something that makes sense between good friends who’ve known each other a long time.
This band submitted their music for review digitally here.