The modest EP length is a nice counterbalance to the artist’s penchant for gravity in both subject matter and delivery, which is not to say that Millar’s a terminal downer: there’s some hearty romanticism in “The Wait” and some heartening optimism in “One Is Enough” among the autumnal hum of acoustic guitars and wheezing keyboards. Even the striking glimpse of urban poverty and paranoia in “Just Like It Seems” is more skillful storytelling than gratuitous melancholy, and it doesn’t hurt that Millar’s vocals are more akin to a downbeat, relatable Dave Grohl than some over-emoting showoff. It’s a good listen — the sound of a veteran craftsman and professional making something that’s all his.

— MIKE MESSICK

Editor’s Note: Big Bend Records is a part of Texas Music LLC (a group of businesses which includes Texas Music magazine).