Since Beulah’s demise nearly six years ago, the road for ex-frontman Miles Kurosky has been a tumultuous journey from both a personal and professional perspective. Between an incapacitating shoulder injury preventing him to play guitar consistently and kidney issues requiring hospitalization, Kurosky spent a substantive amount of this time in recovery. Kurosky has also dealt with the reformation of his musical identity, as he has commented, “I was Miles from Beulah. What does that mean exactly?” What eventually emerged from period was Kurosky’s first solo album The Desert of Shallow Effects—an album defined by his transition from the carefree warmth of Beulah’s Elephant Six style of pop marked a wearier, more complex sound.
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Miles Kurosky | 
"The Desert of Shallow Effects"
(Majordomo)
Released March 9, 2010
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Where Beulah may have been over the top at times in their joyful bombast, The Desert of Shallow Effects feels more authentic. Don’t mistaken this as a sea change for Kurosky, however, as his work still lingers in the realm of Beulah. Instead, his life experience evidently exists as this album prevails as more aged and refined. “Notes from the Polish Underground” stands at the crossroads between Beulah, Tom Waits and Elliott Smith, strolling along permeating dark and rich warmth. “The World Won't Last The Night” flashes with a pounding syncopated percussion and an ambient wall of its dense supporting atmosphere.
Even the Beulah throwback “I Can’t Swim,” has noticeable subtleties marking Kurosky’s evolution. “I Can’t Swim” reminds listeners how masterful Kurosky remains at creating pop perfection, simultaneously showing his growth as a songwriter through his adept blending of dissonant layer at opportune moments. This evolution illustrates Kurosky’s development as he no longer attempts to be a one-trick pony, but instead feels comfortable taking chances in experimentation.
The Desert of Shallow Effects finds Kurosky in search of new unexplored areas of his sound, talents, and songwriting—a difficult endeavor given not only with his personal troubles, but also with a whole generation of cult Beulah fans awaiting the next Beulah album. In this light, Kurosky strikes a happy medium with his first effort as a solo artist. But Kurosky’s own lyrics offer the best outlook, as he sings the line “The melody’s sweet, but it’s so impure.” The Desert of Shallow Effects endures as an imperfect pop album providing both simple kicks and challenging moments, leaving just enough of something for everyone. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
