Misty Miller at Notting Hill Arts Club

In her online pictures Misty Miller has an angelic face framed by blonde hair. What we might have deduced from those celestial images couldn’t be more wrong: Miller is a proper rocker, now with dark hair and a dusty macho band. A power pop guitarist, a strong bass player and a competent drummer were behind her, performing a rhythmical show in Notting Hill last night.

Considering the rock ‘n’ roll splendour of the 60s and 70s, it’s a shame that nowadays the local music scene in Notting Hill is so humble. Yet at the Arts Club Miller and her band managed to revive those famed years, entertaining an enthusiastic audience for about an hour. Alternating rockabilly sounds, softer ballads and power pop songs (including the lovely single Girlfriends), Miller is incredibly appealing on stage, commanding notable confidence. Her voice is powerful but still unripe, and it is actually this crude mix that makes her talent so unique. Her repertoire is strong at moments (Anything for You, Girlfriend, I Know What You Mean) and at others slightly shaky, but the effort Miller puts into her music is indubitable.

Miller’s fresh gig is a joyful surprise: she plays with clever ideas and some country touches. Of course there are several aspects of her music that should be improved, such as the quality of the lyrics, but the potential for a new Polly Scattergood or the new Laura Marling – and why not, with a twist of Imelda May – is there, she just needs to work on it.

Lorenzo Cibrario
Photos: Jay Shaw-Baker

For further information and future events visit Misty Miller’s website here.

Watch the acoustic version of Happy Together here: