Gabriel Miller Phillips: One for the Crow

Gabriel Miller Phillips is a star-crossed lover looking for consolation, but from a distance. This collection represents yet another contribution from the blooming Brooklyn indie scene. Phillips takes vocal cues from the likes of Jeff Buckley, Neil Young, and Robert Smith. The understated purity of the vocals and solid production make One for the Crow worth a listen.

Alex Lipsen (Phosphorescent) produced this album with just enough reverb to set the mood. This, along with a troubadour’s sincerity, almost makes up for what One for the Crow lacks in lyrical content. The highlight of the album comes in the form of the Hank Williams cover “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”. An excellent interpretation that confirms Phillips musical sense over his lyrical abilities. There are plenty of slow to mid-tempo drones, and a semi-playfulness appears in tracks like “24 Karat Man” and “Last Dance”. One for the Crow has a lot going for it, but remains lackluster compared to other indie releases coming straight out of Brooklyn.