Finn Miles
Des Moines, Iowa, United States | SELF
Music
Press
Few bands celebrate indie-rock’s past and present the way Des Moines-based Finn Miles does on its new independent EP, “Telltale Heart.” Though many indie-rock bands often ignore what has come before them while focusing on pushing the musical envelope, they inadvertently wind up sounding like something you’re heard before and fail to live up to their desired indie-rock cred. But with a nod to founders like U2 and Nick Drake, as well as newbies The Postal Service and Arcade Fire, Finn Miles (singer P. Gratton, Scott Gratton, Laura Gratton, Samantha Carlson, Wayde Stover) embraces the genre’s finer qualities of conscientious songwriting, ambient instrumentation and lush arrangements to produce timeless music. Sad-bastard ballads like “Metamorphosis” and “Telltale” stand out, as does the surprising rock-gospel jam, “Looper,” which includes special guest vocalist Tina Findlay. - Cityview
So I may be a bit biased but I have been in the mood for thinking, contemplative music. Finn Miles provides this effortlessly. With a gentle voice, steady strumming, and songs to dream to it is obvious that he values more than just the "performance" of music. He has drawn from his pure passion and heart.
With songs that stretch from "Looper" to "Catch You if I Can", Finn Miles has a comfortable range that never lingers too far from the core of his music. He is the type of artist that you could just as easily tap your feet to as you could cry. - Music Gems Blog
Discography
Modern Saints EP - Released December, 2010
Telltale Heart EP - Released August 2009
Branches EP - Released November 2008
* All music available for preview at www.finnmiles.com
Photos
Bio
Founded by songwriter Paul Gratton in 2007; Finn Miles is a singer/songwriter driven Indie/Folk-Americana band from Des Moines, IA.
Musically, Finn Miles cuts from lush arrangement to sparse tranquility. Layers of acoustic and electric guitars, harmonicas, flutes, glockenspiels, trumpets, rhodes piano, thundering drums, and earnestly delivered vocals fill out a plush, well orchestrated sound.
Core members include singer/guitarist Paul Gratton, his wife Laura Gratton on trumpet, along with multi-instrumentalist/producer/brother/wonderkind Scott Gratton. Finn Miles live performances are commonly filled with interactive visual art and collaborative crowd interaction, making each show a unique experience.
Released in November 2008, Concrete language, rustic sensibilities, and wide open arrangements give the group’s first EP “Branches” a whimsical, yet grounded spirit. Branches relies on memorable melodies and folksy production to cut across genre in a solid first release.
On Finn Miles’ second offering, “Telltale Heart,” released in August of 2009, lyrics dive deeper into loneliness, alienation, and the desire to find “a better way.” Hints of distortion, layers of Rhodes piano, and jangly electric guitars spread out like miles of cracked concrete, an ode to post-modern life.
“Modern Saints” EP, releasing December 2010, crackles with synthesis; slide guitars and tambourines, banjos and cavernous harmonies come together in the band’s most mature offering to date, producing a uniquely American collection of songs and meditations.
Citing influences such as Sufjan Stevens, Wilco, Bob Dylan, Radiohead, M. Ward, Nick Drake, and The Arcade Fire, Finn Miles combines the needle-and-thread of lyrical songwriting with ear-catching melodies.
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