miles benjamin anthony robinson

Once you get past his somewhat ridiculous moniker this guy references a bunch of names old and new (Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Beck, Lightspeed Champion) and pays a fine homage. If you’re looking for a new singer-songwriter to idolize, this could be the guy. Espousing that garage-y, DIY, folky lo-fi sound, MBAR brings to mind that early Bright Eyes production style of “I’m spilling out my heart and recording it in my depressing lonely bedroom.” Songs start sparsely and then slowly build, growing lavishly. The first song starts with the lyrics “This is my last song about myself,” and this theme of self-annihilation continues throughout the album. You’ll learn a lot about MBAR, his life, friends, fears, and joys on this (appropriately enough) eponymous album. The good news is that his imagery comes through loud and clear, the songwriting is beautiful, and you’ll have no trouble remembering the singer’s name.

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