aaamusic | On 20, Nov 2011

Humphrey is a London songwriter who’s already played with the big names (Snow Patrol, Amy Winehouse, Ocean Colour Scene) and is has just taken the leap of releasing his material under the form of an EP titled The #4.

It opens with Not Enough, which at first tricks you into thinking it’s a Temper-Trap-style teenage number, then uplifts you with its dramatic guitars and warm, human storytelling. A piece of soul-drenching, purifying pop music. Then, as you listen to it, you think Would’ve Known was going to be the most soulful and Adele-sized thing you’d hear on this record…  that is, until the title track comes on and goes all Simon and Garfunkel on you. Which is nothing short of great. Self-deprecation and passion entwine on these pieces, somehow casting  a dreamlike aura on the record. You have to wait until the end before you declare these the highlights of the release, though, cause album closer Let It Go is cathartic, paranoid and sweet, and recalls certain healing atmospheres of one Karma Police.

It’s quite refreshing to see a singer-songwriter from London being so conscious and open about his pop influences, and not trying to disguise them as some ground-breakingly controversial hippie manoeuvre. This is a debut to cherish.

 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Humphrey-Milles/245218845535048

Chiara Amoretti