Humphrey Milles

The acclaimed singer-songwriter Humphrey Milles, originally from Stoke-On-Trent, has already enjoyed rich and varied musical adventures before changing life, band and style. The result can be heard on this superb EP.

During late noughties, he met his friend and collaborator, the Mercury-Prize-nominated artist Ed Harcourt, who ended up playing in Humphrey’s initial band. Lucky audiences at those fabled shows saw Humphrey performing with a whole roster of big names including Snow Patrol, K T Tunstall, Graham Coxon, and The Magic Numbers. Now, Ed has produced his friend’s debut and features on guitar.

Humphrey Milles is an accomplished instrumentalist, having played piano from the age of five, and guitar since he was thirteen. His songs are crammed full of catchy melodies, infectious hooks and lyrical twists.
But he wasn’t always the thoughtful, introspective songwriter he is today. “As a kid, I wanted to be like Mick Jagger, strutting all over the stage.” And in his late teens and early twenties, he immersed himself thoroughly in the rave scene.

The songs on the EP reflect a difficult time in Humphrey’s life, as he was becoming restless at work (he had been working as a location manager for various commercial and film production companies). Furthermore, a six-year relationship began to unravel. After the break-up, and before putting the finishing touches on the songs, he escaped to Costa Rica to surf for three months. Says Humphrey: “That’s what it’s about, really – creating, playing, sharing, and having a good time. That’s what music has always been about for me. And always will be.”

First track ‘Would’ve Known’ starts slow-paced, then drifts into a tune sounding like a slightly speedier version of a 60’s Scott Walker song. Wonderful retro-style keys compliment a poppy melody, with a heartfelt and gradually climaxing chorus by Humphrey poignantly belting out “At least I know I’m not alone / There’s another soul just up the road / The faster I run the closer I get / It’s just out of reach / I can feel in the air / The faster I run the harder I fall / It’s just out of reach / That’s if we get there at all”. How I love lyrics that have universal appeal!

The track ‘No. 4’ bears the lyric “I don’t want to be number four”. In whichever context this statement might stand for, Humphrey needn’t worry about things like that. With his musical talent and voice, he should be at the top of things sooner rather than later. Another lovely track by the way, although nothing too outstanding about it either.

‘She’s Climbing My Tree’ touches on alt folk, in the vein of US-duo Vandaveer. With its mellow harmonies and only the most essential of instrumental accompaniments (acoustic guitar play) this sounds moody, grounded and autumn-hued… infused with warmth. Beautiful!

Closing track ‘Let It Go’ once again has a simmering start and obviously is a highly personal affair (not that the other songs aren’t). Somewhere along the middle the riff-work gets a little heavier and edgier for a minute or so, then the song comes to a glorious end with Humprey singing the refrain supported by acapella backing vocals. Intelligent arrangement, at the same time this would sound just as great if played on the piano in a smoke-filled, late-night bar.

If the songs on this excellent EP reflect a difficult time in Humphrey’s life, then – judging by the quality of his work - there is little doubt that good times are ahead now!

Please note that the EP is available in Download format only!

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