This guy, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson [Myspace] had the unfortunate duty of playing in Toronto a few Wednesdays ago – I say unfortunate because it was -35 outside and I can guarantee very few people were in the mood to brave it to see a relative unknown from Brooklyn. It’s a shame, though. On a warmer night, he would have had a better time. The audience would have too, as Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson has a great set of sad little numbers here.

MBAR’s style is reminiscent of M. Ward, or a depressed Jack Johnson (could you imagine?) Largely acoustic and spare guitar provides little support for the shaky, insecure vocals of MBAR. When done right, the effect can be mesmerizing. Entire rooms can find solace in strangers and a soundtrack to a lonely night. When done wrong, the effect can come across as amateur and not worth anyone’s time. Thankfully, MBAR has it right on; the entire disc feels like one big fireside show. He is sitting 6 feet away from you. He knows your name. He knows why you cry at night, and he’s here to help.

The one moment of pure communal joy that comes in the clincher “Buriedfed” seals the album as a fantastic debut. It shows MBAR capable of carrying a melody that can lift as well as any righteous folk song. I’ll make sure to catch him next time he’s in town, regardless of the weather.

“Buriedfed” [mp3]

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