Headlights, Tor Miller

Remember the name Tor Miller, because as the year goes on you will begin to hear more and more about him. The 20-year old, New York based singer has the voice and lyrical ability of a musician twice his age. On February 2nd, 2015 Miller released his first EP, Headlights. This EP delivers just a taste of his true musical talent.

“Midnight” is an ode to Miller’s hometown of New York. Miller glorifies and poeticizes the city in a way that many seasoned musicians have failed to do. Miller croons, “In the lonely hours of midnight/ When New York City’s lying wide awake/ Under the glow of the street light/ I feel the rumble of the concrete mix.” The song is filled with a gospel fervor, something that is somewhat uncommon in the popular music of today.

The next track on the album is titled “Now and Again.” This track filled with Miller’s soulful and raspy vocals singing about thinking about a girl now and again. The powerfully delivered lyrics project the raw emotion Miller taps into while singing.

On “Headlights” it is just Miller and his piano. If you are to listen to only one track off of this EP, it should be this one. The moving lyrics, paired with his crisp notes, create a soulful and moving spirit that enthralls the listener. After listening to this song, there is no questioning Miller’s vocal ability.

The last song on the EP, “Hold The Phone,” was the first song he recorded, and he recorded it on his iPhone. This track draws attention to his voice. Through the tone of his voice and his lyrics, Miller showcases a vulnerability that is rare in such a young artist. He sings, “Hold the phone/ I never knew you felt so alone/ Let it be known/ I never wanted to let you go.” The piano melody on this track is entrancing and helps add to the vulnerability and beauty of the song.

Tor Miller has a distinctive voice that sweeps you away on your first listen of his EP, Headlights. Although Miller has been compared to Hozier, Miller is in a category all of his own. At the young age of twenty, Miller has the ability to display vulnerability and the musical prowess of a seasoned musician. His lyrics are young, wise, beautiful, and quirky. His piano melodies are a bit simplistic, yet captivating. Headlights is proof that Tor Miller is on the path to becoming a musical force to be reckoned with.