Mica Millar ‘Heaven Knows’ (ALBUM REVIEW)

Now summer has (kinda) arrived, what better way to soundtrack those sun-drenched barbecues than with some brand new highly-polished urbane soul? 

Manchester-based singer-songwriter Mica Millar has been bubbling under for a while now, firstly fronting cult local quartet Red Sky Noise, before embarking on a solo career, earning her chops with an extended stint on the road with her expertly drilled ten-piece band.

Garnering friends and collaborators in high places as well as champions on key radio stations, ‘Heaven Knows’ is Millar’s highly anticipated debut long-player, released this month on Mica’s own label Golden Hour Records.. Mastered at Abbey Road studios, with all fourteen tracks written and produced by the Mancunian, Mica is clearly in control of her own destiny, confident in her plentiful abilities to craft and cut a killer tune.

She’s not wrong either, Millar’s brand of old school blue-eyed soul may have been done a thousand times before, with a myriad of references coming to mind on first listening to ‘Heaven Knows’. Fortunately, Mica’s efforts boast more than enough panache to raise her above the parapet including formidable pipes, the forefront of a rich languid groove effortlessly carried along by a crack team of musicians, and divine backing vocals taking your breath away in all the right places.

Tellingly, none of the songs outstayed its welcome, Millar largely keen to make her point succinctly before doing one in a less is more kind of way. Uplifting opener ‘Girl’ brims with carpe diem life lessons, reinforced by the gospel-tinged ‘Preacher Man’ that follows. The bluesy title track continues a spiritual theme that recurs throughout the record, perhaps influenced by Millar’s prolonged recovery from a serious back injury, putting her out of action for almost a year at one point. With such a long time spent fearing the worst, whatever kept Mica going through those dark times appears to have thankfully done the trick.

Defiant break-up song ‘Trouble’ serves up a fine slice of purest pop with the fuming, expletive-laden ‘Fool's Fate’ almost acting as its prequel. Beautifully simplistic and heartfelt ‘Stay’ oozes tenderness, piano and backing vocals used to sublime effect whereas closer ‘Give View My Prayer’ with its distorted vocal proves Millar is not afraid to rock out when it suits her.

Words by Mike Price.

Mica Millar official