I first became aware of Misty Miller years ago when my little sister kept playing music on Myspace by a blonde teenage girl wearing a white dress, singing love songs and strumming a ukulele. Apart from the odd piercing, there was nothing punk about her so it was a big surprise for me when the same girl walked out on stage in a supporting slot at a Jake Bugg gig wearing a flannel shirt, torn jeans and DM boots and launched into an impressive, grungy set with an electric guitar taking the place of her old ukulele.
Three years on, Misty has finally released her excellent long awaited new album The Whole Family Is Worried and its obvious why she changed direction from the folk music of her first album so dramatically; this is the music she always wanted, and was supposed, to make. The affection she has for this music comes across loud and clear throughout the record and the songs give a real insight into who she is, everything from toxic relationships to acid trips are covered and a sense of genuine, raw emotion hangs over every track hitting full force on closing song Best Friend.
Its great to have definitive versions of older songs from her repertoire included here alongside new ones. Bouncy live favourites Girlfriend and Next To You have been revamped for the record but are joined by Devil and Fall Away, slower songs that showcase Misty's more vulnerable side.
A rare second stab at a debut album, The Whole Family Is Worried proves that taking risks and following your true self can pay off big time.
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