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Album Review of “Poverty is Real” from Decatur artist Mike Killeen
The latest release, *Poverty is Real,* from Decatur’s Mike Killeen is a soft collection of beautiful arrangements and meaningful lyrics. He successfully croons about various life situations in the tradition of your favorite 60s era iconic singer/songwriters such as Don McLean and Bob Dylan, who he names as a influential figure in his musical upbringing. He has a voice that recalls James Taylor but with a slight twang that adds a bit of character and texture. At times, a few of his songs can border the alt country line but its always brought back to a solid rock foundation. He layers acoustic and electric guitars throughout many of his songs and includes a variety of instruments and arrangements. *Poverty is Real* is considered to be a more intense example of his songwriting ability and I think it shows.
The album opens with “I would give you Everything”, a solid rock song that almost has a bit of a new wave feel to it with curvy electric guitar dominating the song. Mike continues the rock feel with the next track “Something in Between.” Its one of few songs on the album that I’d say you could dance to. Track 3 is “Cobwebs” and slows things down a bit for the first time and is more reminiscent of his 60s singer-songwriter influences. Its mostly an acoustic song with fast but delicate drums underneath. “Is there Nothing more Selfish than Love” is another one you could dance to, although the subject matter is quite the opposite, touching on lost lives and questioning the reason for grievance if someone is “in a better place.” Track 6, “Something like be True”, is perhaps one of my favorites instrumentally. It opens with a flurry of electric guitar before settling with Mike’s signature acoustic sound backed up by a strong crashing drum beat. It intertwines several different genres and really shows off his range in instruments and ability. The title track is a song of awareness that recalls the less admirable things in life from homelessness to the chaotic nature of everything. It evokes a sense of powerlessness but with understanding. “Future is Failing” is my favorite song on the album. Its a swampy and dark blues infused song with a depressed message of struggle and devolution. The closing track, Firework Reflections, is an acoustic song that immediately entrenched a 60s singer-songwriter in me; reminding me of a Don McLean or James Taylor song. Its Mike Killeen in his most unvarnished form. An acoustic guitar and soft but prominent vocals.
Learn more about Mike Killeen and buy Poverty is Real – he has free music as well…
