Miles Maxwell – Red Ghost
Mindy McCall
Posted On August 17, 2018
Miles Maxwell – Red Ghost
BANDCAMP: https://milesmaxwell.bandcamp.com/releases
Chicago is one of the most musically diverse and culturally rich cities in all of North America, and no matter what your personal taste in music is you’re bound to find a sound to fall in love with in the Windy City. Miles Maxwell haven’t even been together a full calendar year yet, but in their debut album Red Ghost, they channel the true, ethereal spirit of Chicago soul through a bluesy, rhythm saturated set of speakers that dare to explore sonic territory and jazz harmonies like no other. Red Ghost is a startlingly mature rookie album, but when you consider the accomplished résumés of its principal songwriters, it’s a rather modest piece for such a successful pair of artists.
Red Ghost is as versatilely stylized as it is warm and inviting to the casual music fan. I define their sound as being Americana, which in itself borrows a lot from country music, blues and even swing/midcentury pop. There’s a lot of country influence on the lyrical deliveries and consistent tempos of songs like the gorgeous “Snapdragon,” and the flow of the entire record is so relaxed that it almost becomes dreamlike. I was shocked that this was Miles Maxwell’s first recorded collaboration; I could have easily been fooled into thinking that this was a seasoned pairing that had already flipped a couple of odometers on the road touring together. The fact that we’re just witnessing the beginning of their career makes Red Ghost all the more exciting of a listen, because from here the possibilities and options are virtually limitless as they move forward and refine their sound even further.
Miles Maxwell is making smart blues-rock for a millennial generation that has been desperate for some original grooves and powerful, unrestrained jams for a long time now. In an ocean of acts that are content to copy off of each other’s papers, this band boldly follows the beat of their own drum. Personally I can’t wait to see and hear what they come up with next. Miles Maxwell came tailor made for this era of pop, and anyone who considers themselves a relevant music enthusiast should get ahold of Red Ghost today.
Mindy McCall
