REVIEW- IN THE WORLD
The title track, In the World, is hopeful, combining sweet harmonies with a grabby build up in the bridge. 'This Love' is spacious, with a James Taylor vibe, and 'Home' belies its gritty story of physical displacement with warm 70's style drum beats and a pop rock feel.
'Fall Down' prickles with agitation, but behind the intense vibe is a blend of soul and rock that artfully layers dry drums with the
synth-like tones of the hammond organ, electric guitar riffs and a build-up of vocal harmonies. On the face of it a rant at the world, its frustration directed at the sabotage that goes on inside our own heads.
It's the perfect counterpoint to the final track, 'Mirror', with lyrics reminiscent of Melissa Ferrick or Missy Higgins, but guitar stylings that could have flown from Joni Mitchell's own playbook. Add its subtle violin and Rhodes keyboard touches, creating an image of "little birds singing the song", says Renee.
It's that combination of deeply personal connection and uncompromising musicianship that invites comparisons between Renee and singer songwriters Ani Difranco and Melissa Ferrick - the very artists who inspired her to embark on her musical career in the first place.
Dan Thurston-Crow - October 2018
NZ MUSICIAN - REVIEW - EVERYWHERE I TURN
There would be few who couldn't connect to the heartbreak that pours out of Renee Millner's 'Everywhere I Turn'. This is a well crafted and slickly produced (by Renee Millner & Dave Carnahan) EP that tells a story from beginning to end. The acoustic guitar and touches of keyboard and percussion run as a beautiful compliment to Renee's unique, dusty and direct vocals. The New Plymouth dwelling Australian artist recorded at Carnahan's King Street studios, as well as in NSW.
Opening gently with 'Since you Went Away', the journey of love starts with lightness both instrumentally and from a production perspective, allowing close connection with the lyrics. The heavier lead guitar in 'Everywhere I Turn' lends an intensity and sadness, building to the musical and relationship crescendo of 'Till you Can be True'. As if coming out of the darkness, the EP closes out with the tentatively hopeful 'All of Me.'
In 24 minutes Renee takes you on a journey of love held, love lost, and hearts healed.
If her EP is anything to go by, Renee Millner is a well of untapped songwriting and production potential.
Emma Moss - NZ Musician Magazine - March 2017
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