 TREY MILLS - ATHABASCA OP3/UNIVERSAL By: Fridae Mattas An extremely talented award winning producer already, Trey Mills is a talent that has been hidden behind the music. The first time I popped in the album I had to replay many songs just to hear each individual element in the tracks. A plethora of instruments very intricately interlaced yet simple to listen to. ‘Athabasca’ the title track is one for the lovers as is the whole record. The track is soft, laid back and the tone Trey has is a perfect fit to the music complimenting the vocals with the composition. The flow of his voice is soothing also perfect for the times when you just want to unwind and chill, not in the Hard Rock mood this LP is the answer.  ‘Holding On’ is a great track it has this Canadian Country Jazz Bluegrass feel it’s a cocktail. The vocals are respectable but at times it sounds as if he is over enunciating the words and drops it too hard on the beat making it sound a tad forced. In the track he talks about loving his girlfriend even though he doesn’t know her too well, holding on to the hope the relationship will never end and at one point he even sings “Carly I know this might seem so damn stalker like strange” At least he admits it! The whole album is about his girlfriend, I never knew someone could write so many songs about the great country of Canada and a significant other. These tunes are truly meant for lovers, Trey obviously poured his heart and soul into his love and devotion to his girlfriend. Honestly though, I was disappointed there was nothing too inspirational, the content was on the redundant side I thought he had more depth than that. Hopefully he has substance in store for the next LP because in this game it has to be fresh and new to keep flying, yet it cannot always be fluffy.  Mills has mastered tracks for the greatest Michael Jackson, Boyz II Men, Jodeci and many more. When I first heard ‘No Sun All Rain’ I couldn’t help but laugh because the intro sounded like a Christmas tune because of the Orchestra Bells (Glockenspiel) that is what I heard it could also be the piano. As the track went on it was turning out to be a good tune, I will always think of it as the Christmas song. Another tune I like and I’m sure every sexual being will, because it’s all about sex! Titled ‘The Best Week Of My Life’ He talks about how many times they porked all over the place when he came in for a visit and that was the best week of his life. Everyone I’m sure can relate, they have either had a best week, day or weekend of their lives at one point or another. In the tune ‘Preacher’s Boy’ I thought he was going to jibber about his life as a ‘Preacher’s Boy’ but he talked about a car crash on his way from the airport to see his girlfriend and meet her momma to reassure her he is not the typical hobag musician. You can tell he had choir boy experience in his vocals but it was too much like he was singing it in the choir. At times his vocals were cracking and he went out of tune. Major props go out to Trey he wrote, sang, arranged, produced and mixed this whole LP except ‘Saving Me’ which was mixed by Ken Lewis.  Although Trey has written and co-written six Top 30 national-BDS hits and reached Number 1 on various charts he himself still needs to grow. His vocals are not up to par with his other skills, he is an amazing pianist, producer and composer but the vocals should come from your heart not by the book. Thinking far too hard at times about the vocals Trey needs to relax, far too much tension that you can hear crystal clear, especially in those high falsetto notes, making it unnatural and too trained.  The melodies to a few tracks were very similar as were a couple of the intros otherwise a nice try indeed for a first. The artwork was unique just a simple sketch of Trey wandering about the streets with a few more sketches trees and car inside. Oh and let’s not forget behind the actual disc a bird interwoven with the track titles.  The album does not even compare to Trey live I had the chance to see him perform at The "Love In Action" charity event in December of 2007. When Trey is on stage he is complete that is where the Canadian Country Soul comes alive! Another diagnosis of “BLS=Better Live Syndrome”!!! There should be no stressing over which way you should sing how to sound or who to draw inspiration from, it will come naturally if let go. Release the artist from within and stop being a producer for a minute to find your voice, your real voice I know it’s in there and if you dig for the gold you will find it. Athabasca Available Now Check Trey’s Tunes @ www.myspace.com/treymills ©FRIDAE2008™
Last edited by FRIDAE : May 12, 2008 at 05:37 AM.
|
| | | | Overall Rating | | 6 | | Vocals / Lyrics | n/a | | Musicianship | n/a | | Production | n/a | | Creativity | n/a | | Lastability | n/a | | Reviewers Tilt | n/a |
60% | |
| |
| 
John Mills is dead (AFP)
| News 
TREY MILLS - ATHABASCA
