Miller Blue - 4 Degrees Of Separation (EP)
Multi-talented Alt-R&B upcomer Miller Blue has just released his highly anticipated EP, 4 Degrees Of Separation, out now via Unity Records.
The EP is a harmonious and beautiful exploration of the various stages one goes through in a relationship. In his own words, Miller explains, “From infatuation and lust. To love and trust, From heartbreak and heartache and to self love and healing. The project cycles chronologically in this way moving through the stages taking the listener on a journey of the ups and downs of relationships emphasising and honing in on each phase.”
4 Degrees Of Separation starts with a filtered, spacey intro accompanied by a series of Japenese phrases, which sets the tone for this musically rich EP. Next up is ‘Headlights’, the first single released in the lead up to the EP release. This is an emotive yet feel-good track that touches on the euphoric feeling of helplessly falling for someone, with Miller softly singing “you got me frozen here out in plain sight, I’m thinking when you gonna swerve”. Swelling synths form the foundation for a sombre guitar riff, complemented by high pitched vocal ad libs and powerful drum lines, creating a sweet, sensual piece of R&B.
This track is followed by ‘2am’, a lo-fi sounding production with dark synth lines and filtered drum patterns. Miller Blue’s vocals glide along the track, reminiscing on late night chats with a lover, as smooth horn licks and funky guitar riffs fade in and out. Track four on the EP is ‘Wildfire’, the second track to be released pre-EP. It is an upbeat yet emotional tune that highlights the feeling of his love interest storming their way into his life, comparing the intense feeling of being together to “wildfire without meaning to”. The track was accompanied by an animé inspired music video, vibrantly illustrating the lyrical content, following the journey of two lovers as the world burns in wildfire around them.
The next tune is the rich jazz-infused soul tune ‘Love Trust Patience’ - which highlights the need for these critical elements in a relationship, and sees Miller lament the lack of these in his current relationship. Miller beautifully displays his vulnerability and openness here, crooning “I know of your past days, I don’t care about them I’m here”, as thick, jazzy instrumental forms the perfect musical bed for this love song. Speaking on the record, Miller shares, “This song is an outcry for change. A loving attempt to try and work on the difficulties that have developed over time within a relationship”
Next up is ‘Lost’, which sees Miller move onto the next stage in this relationship, a sombre ballad that explores the pain of losing someone you love. The sparse arrangement of a guitar and Miller’s vocals creates an incredible contrast with the previous tracks, and creates a vivid sense of emptiness, and makes for an extremely emotional listen.
The penultimate track on the EP is ‘Ribbon’, another emotive R&B tune, which, similarly to ‘Lost’, starts with a mournful guitar line accompanied by Millers vocals, but suddenly the drums drop in, which give the track a bouncy, progressive feel as Miller raps for the first time on the EP. The track is glued together by a classic melodic hook that Miller is quickly becoming known for. The final song is ‘Eye To Eye’, the perfect conclusion to this stunning body of work. The track has a distinct feel of optimism, established through the harmony of the major guitar chords and Miller’s impassioned yet hopeful plea to “find some meaning”, in the aftermath of his breakup.
With incredible variety yet a distinctive sound running throughout, Miller Blue has once again proved himself to be an R&B force to be reckoned with, and has a range of UK tastemakers hotly on his trail.
4 Degrees Of Separation concludes the trilogy of his EP releases over the last few years, and the closing of this chapter brings glittering promise of what is still to come from Miller Blue.