West Virginia native singer/songwriter and guitarist John R. Miller follows-up 2018’s excellent The Trouble You Follow with Depreciated. After 15 years on the road, Miller was newly single, without a band, and seeking a healthier way to deal with depression and alcohol. Depreciated came out of Miller’s life experiences, the lessons learned along the way, and his West Virginia home, culminating in a rustic 11-track collection that mixes country, folk, blues, and rock. Depreciated was recorded at the legendary Studio A of Sound Emporium in Nashville, and here Miller was backed by longtime collaborator and producer Adam Meisterhans, co-producer Justin Francis (Birdy, Rodney Crowell and others) on congas and Wurlitzer, John Looney on mandolin, Jonathan Beam providing bass, Russ Pahl (Don Williams, Tyler Childers and others) on pedal steel, John Clay on drums, and Robbie Crowell (Deer Tick, Lambchop) playing the Wurlie and Hammond B3. Miller and Co. skillfully derive moments of hope in stories of loss in value over time. Miller’s lyricism throughout the album comes from the point of view that life is subjective and that you can choose to see what’s gained instead of lost. Notable tracks include: the swamp rock-vibed “Looking Over My Shoulder”; the somber tale of confused love “Shenandoah Shakedown”; the twangy existential track “Borrowed Time”; the biting road song “Faustina”; the gentle instrumental of “What’s Left of the Valley”; the hard-hitting number “Old Dance Floor”; the song about socio/political disparity “Motor’s Fried”; and the contemplative closer “Fire Dancer.” John R. Miller’s Depreciated is a great record from an emerging Americana talent! – Written by JFelton
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