Chris Mills - Living In The Aftermath (2008)

In my narrow little mind I had relegated Chris Mills' music to late nights and early mornings. As an largely accoustic singer-songwriter, with a strained voice and beautiful ballads, at least on The Silver Line, his songs were perfect for listening to while falling asleep. Sure, he had some catchy choruses, but who doesn't love falling asleep while singing along? Well, something got him excited because this album is revved up folk rock. And it's great. Not all the album is upbeat, but my favorites are the ones he really digs into, leading his full band through a set of passionate and catchy choruses. Although many of the songs have vaguely political themes, the lyrics cleverly combine the political and the personal and the tone isn't overly serious. "Calling All Comrades", is a joyful stomper that sounds more like a call to party than to arms. "Living In The Aftermath" follows that same mood, making for a good one-two punch. You'll also need to check out "Untitled No. 1" and "All's Well That Ends". For fans of The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter and, well, awesome music.