Album review: MIRACLE MILE – East of Ely

Order link [Release date 31.05.24]

‘East of Ely’ is Miracle Mile’s first album since 2012, so to say this was eagerly anticipated is an understatement! Miracle Mile comprise of Trevor Jones and Marcus Cliffe, where this record was largely written on the Suffolk coast and later recorded between London and Norfolk.

How to describe the music contained within? Mmm, sophisticated pop? Melodic bliss? A musical refuge? One things for sure ‘East of Ely’ is a classic headphones on, listen to in one sitting kind of album. The lyrics are things of beauty and the musical arrangements transport the listener off to marvellous places.

Trevor Jones has a wonderful way with words – “You taught me how to dance like no-one else was there I came as Eric Morecambe but left as Fred Astaire” on ‘Shivering Boy’, is a perfect example. The song itself is one of those wistful love songs Miracle Mile do so well.

The two singles released ahead of the album, ‘Night Wedding’ and ‘Butterfly Brooch’, give a good indication of what to expect. ‘Night Wedding’ is a lovely song, both lyrically and the piano & musical effects, which should be all over the radio. ‘Butterfly Brooch’ is a quieter affair featuring the soothing vocals of Trevor Jones and sublime lap steel guitar. ‘Chapel Flower Morning’ is another single in waiting with a sublime chorus.

The instrumentals ‘Postcard from Happisburgh’ and ‘Postcard from Walberswick’ feature what one assumes are natural sounds recorded at said locations. Two pieces of calm to keep returning to time and time again.

The spoken word and poetry on ‘Shorebound’ work to a treat. Not sure who joins Trevor on the spoken word parts but they fit the song like a glove.

You can often run out of superlatives for an album and this is case here, as just when you think Miracle Mile had used up their musical magic tricks, along comes ‘Silent Sigh’. Vocals that are literally spine tingling coupled with piano and guitar parts that would make other artists weep in envy.

Miracle Mile took their time on this album and it has been worth the wait with ‘East of Ely’ amongst their best, quite possibly over time and more listening pleasure, their finest. ****1/2

Review by Jason Ritchie

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Power Plays w/c 9 December 2024

In this sequence we play ‘The Best of 2024′ GRTR! reviewer selections

Featured Albums w/c 9 December 2024

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2024 (Singer Songwriter)