Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson reviewed

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson
Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson
(Say Hey)

Gravel-voiced and broken, rarely does a singer-songwriter come with a story as compelling as the soul-scarred narratives this one brings to life. Expanding his name the way he does on the album sleeve only serves to underscore one man’s awful fall from innocence to inferno.

Now you only need ask yourself if this review is about Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson or Micah P. Hinson. Hinson surfaced on Overcoat Records in 2004, a Southerner whose prodigal-son tract was foiled by a supermodel, drug habit, and felony sentencing for flying bad checks. Helped by indie rockers The Earlies, his debut was more parched for redemption than the dirt floor of a West Texas holding cell.

Robinson’s history is more linearly rock ‘n’ roll — failed bands, shelved albums, unshakable addiction, homelessness — but also receives a helping hand from intrigued musicians, in this case members of TV On The Radio and Grizzly Bear. The parallel in the tales also extends to his self-titled debut, down to the harrowing, double-tracked voice — the men are sonic doppelgangers. Kyp Malone’s (TVOTR) production seeks to bathe Robinson’s morbid ruminations in as much light as he can, evidenced by the constant build and climaxing of the 10 songs. The real test will come with album two; with his story well published, Hinson struggled to move forward.

7

— Steve Forstneger

Click here to download Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson’s cover of The Cars’ “Drive.”

Category: Spins, Weekly