Jason Charles Miller – Natural Born Killer (Album review)

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March 6, 2014

Jason Charles Miller has had an intriguing musical career. Singer, songwriter, musician, voice actor, and the lead vocalist and guitarist of industrial rockers Godhead; Miller has during recent years produced albums of more-or-less traditional country rock. It began with the Last To Go Home (2009) and Uncountry (2011), followed in 2012 by Natural Born Killer, which is perhaps Miller’s most complete work to date in this vein.

Natural Born Killer is a powerful work which appeals on a number of levels. Miller appears comfortable with both the country and rock elements of his sound, seamlessly blending banjos and fiddles with rocky drums and a vocal delivery which easily switches between soft and harsh, caring and belligerent. Opener “Devil’s Whiskey” shows both sides of his influence, without compromising on either side. With an interesting and swinging delivery, the track sums up Miller’s take on the country rock sound.

Miller can pull at the heartstrings with the rootsy tale of loneliness and separation on “You Get What You Pay For”, the more country “Here To Kill The Pain”, and the emotional title cut “Natural Born Killer”. There are songs that are equally at home in a more rocking up-tempo territory like “The Way You Still Want Me”, and the dynamic Aerosmith-esque “Love Ain’t Leaving You”. This duality of songs reflects the music which influenced him as a youngster, coupled with the drive and exuberance of his Godhead work. He sings with sureness and confidence on “Long Long Gone”, and his songs and vocalization each have strength and durability with the slightly retro “Raise A Little Hell With An Angel”.

The album closes with Miller’s driving, riffing take on Hank Williams’ country gospel number, “I Saw The Light”. While taking the song in a very different direction, his version maintains the soul and sense of truth of the original.

Jason Charles Miller’s Natural Born Killer album offers variety, quality, and integrity. He combines country and rock ingredients in a way that is solid and believable. The songs are gritty, yet emotional, and will appeal to those who like country rock with roots, humor, and passion. CrypticRock rates this album 4 out of 5.