Dalton Mills: Self Titled
Dalton Mills released his self-titled debut album earlier this month and what an album it is. At first listen it feels simple, and I truly mean that as a compliment. The lyrics and music are what shine, there is no heavy production, no unnecessary frills added in, just plain, good music. It’s an album that talks about every day life, about struggles, about missing family to do what you love and about being down and out. Get ready for an album that will make you feel a range of emotions. There are songs that evoke a feeling of happiness and others that make you feel alone, but all of them are going to make you feel something.
Dalton Mills hails from Kentucky, a state rich in musical heritage. Although he’s now living in Tennessee, I like to put Dalton in the same category as the many talented musicians coming out of the Kentucky these days. A talented singer-songwriter in his own right, he should be proud of this album. In the last couple of weeks that I’ve listened to this album, I’ve come back to it often. Of the ten songs on the album, Dalton wrote or co-wrote all of them except “Runaway Dorothy Gale,” which is a Jason Sinkhorn tune. You may remember Jason from last year’s list of “10 Artists You Need to Know.” Dalton and Lance Rogers co-wrote the song, “Verse, Chorus, Verse” and the song also features the harmonies of Rogers on the album. The album was recorded at Middle Fidelity Studios in Corbin, Kentucky, and features Thomas Albert on guitar, Justin Eslinger on bass, and Cliff Draper on drums. Dave Shoemaker contributes vocals on two songs and of course the aforementioned Lance Rogers makes an appearance as well.
The album starts out with the upbeat feeling track of “Tornadoes," which, upon listening to the lyrics, you discover is upbeat only in tempo. The first line reveals that the singer has been “laid off at the factory and he started drinking again.” As the song plays out, it feels familiar, likely because you know someone who has had a period in their life where they’ve been down on their luck, fighting with family and drinking too much. Maybe that person is you. Maybe you’re facing your own storms in life, much like the character in this song.
If I had to pick a favorite song on the album, “Mountain Call” would be it. It’s a haunting song that will have you pushing repeat every time the track ends. The intro is a chilling instrumental and will give you goosebumps from the first note. Mills' plaintive voice hooks you from the beginning and you begin a ride, a lonesome one, that feels fraught with pain and loss.
“I will go even if I have to crawl / And leave a trail of blood from my hands on the ground”
I have to admit, listening to it I couldn’t help but wonder, is the mountain death? Is the mountain something he’s overcome or is trying to overcome? I like songs that make me think and it feels like this one has so much depth that you could probably listen to it many times and it take on a different meaning each time.
“Verse, Chorus, Verse” is a track which takes the listener through the highs and lows of being a musician in this day and age. Leaving your family and your home just to go out and sing. Traveling long hours, often working more than one job to live a dream, one that may or may not be realized. Realizing that living this dream means you’re missing out on the very things that you love most.
“Probably should have turned back around and give my wife and kids a kiss / Instead of singing to folks in a bar, ‘bout all the things I miss”
Anyone that’s been involved in any sort of aspect of the music business, especially those that are often left holding down the fort while their spouse or significant other chases their dreams, could likely identify with parts of this song. It’s well-written and I really enjoy the dynamic of both Dylan and Lance singing on this song.
Although I’ve only hit upon three of the tracks on this album, the entire album is really one worth listening to. If you’re a fan of other Kentucky artists out there making a name for themselves, then you’ll want to go grab Dalton’s album here: https://dalton-mills-music.square.site/?fbclid=IwAR1nRigF0aD-tw9WeGx_J-oiAW__Gyha_MfLPyVRAsFWiZ2PFh694GzpVXU
