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Press Reviews for "insOmnia"
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 Amplifier Magazine |
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God may have given us rock 'n' roll, but he sent the Miggs fifty years later to keep it honest. While this road-tested San Francisco quartet continues to garner indie recognition at an alarming pace, the commercial potential of their sophomore effort should awaken the sleeping majors. Produced by Gavin MacKillop (Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies, Sugarcult), Insomnia embraces the hard-hitting sonic strengths that catapulted many bands from the bar circuit to arenas and the charts. Singer/song-writer/band leader Don Miggs hits a Triple A trifecta with "I Know You," "Be," and "Perfect." Guitarist John Carta offers an edgy meld of grunge and art-rock undertow, especially on the scintillating "It's Over," while the rhythm section's fierce groove rises on the self-effacing cut "Superhero: I Fall Apart." The acoustic bonus track "Maybe" shows off Miggs' considerable vocal prowess and makes you wonder why they didn't toss this bleeding heart torch song to Mariah Carrey or Alicia Keys. Insomnia is an album worth losing sleep over! -TOM SEMIOLI
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 SF Herald |
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A delicious blend of classic pop and contemporary alternative, forming the perfect
sonic union: great vocals, innovative songs, lyrics that dig deep, yet resonate on a universal level, and melodies that stick with you for the long haul. - Kimberlye Gold
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 All Music Guide |
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From the Barenaked Ladies to the Goo Goo Dolls to Toad the Wet Sprocket to the Rembrandts, Gavin MacKillop is a producer/engineer who has shown a fondness for the more melodic, hooky, tuneful bands in alternative pop/rock. An album that MacKillop produces or engineers won't necessarily fit that description, but there is a good possibility that it will -- and the Miggs' second album, Insomnia, won't hurt MacKillop's reputation for embracing the melodic, hooky, tuneful side of alternative pop/rock. This is alternative pop/rock that has a lot of power pop and arena rock appeal -- nothing abstract, dissonant, or angular takes place -- and the Miggs have an attractive, easily likable sound that draws on alternative influences such as the Replacements, R.E.M., Live, and the abovementioned Goo Goo Dolls. In other words, the Miggs are very much the sort of band one would expect MacKillop to produce given his history. Nothing groundbreaking occurs on Insomnia, but the Northern Californians' material is solid, well constructed, accessible, and very easy to absorb. If Insomnia is mildly derivative, it certainly isn't derivative in a negative way -- and while the Miggs won't win any awards for being the most innovative band of the 2000s, they deliver the goods when it comes to expressive lead vocals (which are provided by frontman/songwriter Don Miggs), quality, and craftsmanship. This is a memorable CD that both the Miggs and MacKillop should be glad to have on their résumés. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
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 Nighttimes |
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Over the course of this fourteen-track debut, this pop-rock quartet consistently delivers the hooks, chops and delights that a discerning rock listener would have no problems embracing. Encapsulating the sonic impact of the past fifteen years, MiGGs emulate the best of REM, Pearl Jam, U2 and Coldplay and still manage to sound consistently like themselves throughout, which is the mark of true artistes. With songs like the infectious “Perfect,” the slinky “Suddenly Wonderful,” the throbbing “St. Rita” and the funky “Superhero (I Fall Apart)” supplying the thrill and spills for casual and serious music enthusiasts alike, MiGGs certainly has what it takes to overcome the ephemeral nature of rock ‘n’ roll to make a significant impact.
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 Smother.Net |
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Miggs tackle the ever imposing question of who was going to pick up the pieces that the Gin Blossoms left behind them in the '90's. "Insomnia", their 2nd indie release, was produced by veteran Gavin MacKillop whose lengthy resume includes work with fellow modern alternative rockers Barenaked Ladies, Sugarcult, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and Goo Goo Dolls; he also worked with The Rembrandts on their memorable "Friends" theme song. While most of the songs are sugar-coated typical pop-rock affairs, Miggs are able to deliver on a level that most alternative rock bands this day and age don't, which is precisely while they'll soon be added to MacKillop's resume as yet another blip on a worthwhile radar.
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 Big Smile |
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MiGGs (from San Francisco, CA) is a fortunate band, fortunate because they are making it to the top. Being on tours such as the "Virgin College Mega Tour" and opening for bands like Cake, Gomez, Kid Rock, and Aerosmith. Their first album sold ten thousand copies without a record label to back them up! The band has recently signed on with 33rd street records. I love the music on this CD, but I also love how they made it. The album was recorded in parts, as they wanted to do it themselfs at first (just like "Anyway", the first album). But after realizing that they wanted to get more out of the recording, they turned to Gavin MacKillop (Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies, Sugarcult), his people said NO, and so they where going to go with Ken Lewis. At the last minute Gavin called back and told them he would work with them. So they canceled the flight to NY and went to LA to record with Gavin. The album took about a month because Gavin is crazy in the best way and showed the guys how the tracks lay down and work together. After Gavin got sick and couldn't work for a month (while MiGGs was just twiddling their fingers) the band went on to write "Suddenly Wonderful," "Maybe," and "Perfect." They decided to record the three songs with and old friend and renowned studio guy, JC Convertino. Soon after, Gavin was ready to mix and finish the album. The band is glad they waited until early '05 instead of the big holiday season (when a lot of bigger bands release albums). Needless to say the album is about insomnia. Since they wrote most of the songs suffering from insomnia, in the late nights and early mornings. If you listen to all fourteen tracks you will get a feel of it. Ten p.m. is "Suddenly Wonderful," anything can happen at five a.m. so "Maybe" is the song for that. MiGGs isn't trying to teach you or change the world with their lyrics, instead they want to connect with you and how you are feeling and thinking. They are just guys writing about relationships with parents, girls, friends, and band-mates, it's all in there.
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 Serendipity |
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They've earned critical raves across the board, sold 10,000 copies of their debut release Anyway and opened for the likes of Aerosmith and Kid Rock. You may have even heard them on commercials for Fox's successful teen soap opera "The OC." Impressive? No doubt. But what's truly remarkable is that they've accomplished all of this without a major label shoving them down our throats at every waking moment. MiGGs… craft impossibly catchy power-pop rock that fans of Jimmy Eat World, Lifehouse and Matchbox Twenty are destined to latch on to with fervor. How many albums do you know of where practically every tune doesn't have just one hook, but several? insOmnia achieves the rare feat of being such an album. Take just one listen and you'll be humming these for days. Produced by Gavin MacKillop (Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies, Sugarcult) and JC Convertino (Velvet Underground, Talking Heads, Miles Davis), the fourteen tracks found on insOmnia sound instantly familiar and accessible. There's no need for this music to grow on you or try to win you over. It's comfortable, it's natural and it feels like it's been one of your favorite CDs for years. -Heather Yarnell
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 Cosmik Debris |
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Among the zillions of bands promoting themselves out there in the Internet-connected soundscape, The Miggs are among the most talented, complete and ready for success on the big stage. Don Miggs is an excellent songwriter who comes up with music that has the warmth and familiarity of Americana without the clichés, and his band can deliver it with a lot of punch and sparkle. "St. Rita" has a radio-friendly alt vibe, with a lot of attention to detail in the guitar sounds above the mix that really adds texture, and a wicked low end that carries you along with it. It adds up to a huge sound that's really the difference and progression from 2002's Anyway, an excellent album that was built around some very personal songs that almost anyone could relate to their own lives. On first listen Insomnia seems less personal and more professional, but happy rock music disguises the true nature of songs like "Everything Is Fine." Well done. Don Miggs and company can't really get much more ready for the bigs. |
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 Parx-e Zine |
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Insomnia is the album that reminds me of my teenage years going to a mate's places for drinks, listening to rock bands and having fun. It is a modern rock album that doesn't disappoint. Unlike some other bands where each song sounds alike, the songs don't on this album. Each song has enough diversity, which grabs you to keep listening. Songs like Be, Perfect and I know You Are are songs that are written by a band who knows how to write good rock songs. The piano is a nice touch to the song Rest that is a very good modern rock ballad track. The song writing is excellent and doesn't have this clique about it. You know what I mean. The vocals are very good. Don Miggs is a very good rock singer whose vocals are perfectly matched with the music. I really enjoyed this album and recommend it highly. An album by a band who knows how make a good rock album and is worth your time.
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Pop Rockers, MiGGs, can be compared to superstars such as Matchbox 20 or even my hometown Pennsylvania band Live (their older stuff like the album "Throwing Copper"). Sure those are some huge shoes to fill, but these rock stars are fitting in them quite nicely. If the attention getting voice doesn't draw you in or have your singing along on tracks such as "I Know You" or "Everything Is Fine" you had better check your pulse. The lyrics and the music they are put to on "Choices (Late Nights, Early Mornings)" are purely breathtaking. As if the album wasn't already a complete well-rounded success, they toss in a bonus track "Maybe" which I'll let remain a mystery, but will divulge that it is an acoustic track. This is one of those bands who have slipped through the cracks and on their way to rock stardom.
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 The Owl Mag |
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One minute you're chewing Bubble Yum and making out with a sweetheart and the next you want to lift weights like you're preparing for an after school fight. Then you're whimsically spellbound by a four-part harmony and cutting a rug to a faint Latin beat.
Insomnia walks a fine line between too catchy pop and way cool rock. That's what makes Miggs so good-you can sing along and crack a few vertebras without feeling like a teenage pop whore on songs like, "I Know You" and "Be," (used for an oft-aired advertisement for the "O.C."). Insomnia hit shelves Jan 25.
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 West Coast Independent |
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From San Francisco California comes a band to watch out for!
From the very first bar of this CD this band demands your attention. Slickly produced, performed and delivered Miggs disc Insomnia is a world-class album.
Clever Lyrics, emotionally delivered like a pro by Don Miggs overtop of kickass, melodic pop/rock tracks. Anxious yet confident, aggressive yet apprehensive.
This CD should, in all fairness be being played on all pop/rock radio stations everywhere. The pop sensibilities are there, the talent is there, the vocals are there, the songs are there. what more can you ask for. Catchy well written songs with dynamics, emotion, attitude and vulnerability. "I know you" is my first favorite, The anxious climbing vocal in "Perfect" is another shining moment. Incredible groove in "I Believe" is another favorite.
With management and distribution this band is on the cusp of huge things, keeping busy and working hard SHOULD pay off for Miggs. If it doesn't there is something seriously wrong with the music business (oh wait, we already know that). With that said check these guys out, this CD and these songs deserve a few minutes of your time!
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 RIFFZ |
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This San Francisco quartet is a band to watch out for, they have already released one album independently in 2001 but recently signed with 33rd Street for the release of their 2nd full length "Insomnia" which is produced by Gavin McKillop (Goo Goo Dolls,Sugarcult) and what can I say? - it´s a fresh and crispy production just the way I want it when it comes to 3 way harmony power-pop in the same vein as Swirl 360,The All American Rejects and Fountains of Wayne. Bandleader and singer Don Miggs has a wonderful voice that is easy to fall in love with, so do yourself a favour and purchase this album on Jan.25th when it´s released.
HIGHLIGHTS: Perfect, Rest, I know you
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 Optimum Impact Fanzine |
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Take a catalogue of beautifully inspired lyrics, dowse them in timeless vocals, stir in some robust bass lines, complex yet rolling drum beats & mix in a wholesome blend of screeching, serenading & growling guitar combinations. Marinade the concoction in true passion, life experience & a burning desire to express real emotion through beautiful, original & individually significant songs, add a touch of rock essence & the end result is........Miggs! An American four piece, whose sound has often (& quite justly) been likened to that of the Counting Crows. Frontman Don has been writing songs since he was 8 years old, which to be fair can only suggest supreme talent....you only need to hear 'Perfect' or 'Suddenly Wonderful' to realise that.
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 What's Doing in Denver |
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What's Doing In Denver
At the age of six Don recorded himself playing drums and singing "Then She Kissed Me". By eight he was writing songs that "actually freaked my parents out" and at the age of ten he had organized his first band and taught the other band members to play their instruments.
Fast forward to 2005 and Don is the driving force behind the San Francisco-based band, Miggs. We caught their May 14th show at the Oriental Theatre and are inclined to agree with Don when he said "Our competition is U2, the Rolling Stones, the Beatles -- the greats. I want to leave timeless music behind me. I want it to be forever."
Timeless it is… with a quality that transcends the factions of rock to reach the broader audience and a supercharged stage performance that leaves no one wanting. It's a quality that didn't arrive by accident. Miggs is all business: no attitudes, no BS, no alcohol or junk food before shows... nothing is allowed to cut across the quality of the performance.
Watch for Miggs when they come through again. This band is hot. As a concert-goer who drove up from Alamosa to catch the act said, "I wanted to see them again now before their ticket prices are sky high." The band recently released its 2nd CD, Insomnia, available at Borders.
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 Music Shopper |
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With a crafty success that comes right out of the Delboy Trotter book of trading, San Francisco-based quartet, Miggs, sold over 10,000 copies of their debut album from the back of a van. Yet unlike the loveable cockney rogue, this band, with their sophomore release, will most certainly not be making tits of themselves. "Insomnia" is a lively collection of enjoyable tunes that never wander from the well-polished, yet convincingly honest crux of familiarity.
Sounding like a little part of every band that you've ever liked the odd tune of, it's hard not to appreciate "Insomnia" just because you feel like you've had it in your record collection for a year already. Upon one spin on the Wurlitzer it's equally hard not to remember the lyrics - which whatever that may suggest, is clearly an advantage for any band. And let this be stated right here and right now - this is not the praise of some Simon Cowell-consumed-pop-tart, but the sad reality that has led this crusty old Metal 'ed towards the obvious conclusion: Miggs do what they do… very well. Anyone contesting that the hooks and melodies of songs such as "Everything is Fine" and "Suddenly Wonderful" aren't catchy is simply an image-conscious plonker. This is because, Miggs capture the little bits of so many recognizable bands and stir the pot to produce something a little different, but above all quite fun! In places there's Incubus, in others Counting Crows and for lovers of the more obscure, there's even room for a bit of the Semisonics. Of course, there are tracks that are a bit stagnant, and frankly the chorus to "Options" lists about every choice imaginable except for the most important one: leaving the song off the album. Yet all in all, "Insomnia" is a guilty pleasure - you might not want to like it, but you might find yourself having to. Yes, they won't be everyone's idea of celestial musicianship, but that's not the point. "Insomnia" is fun, tightly-produced cheeriness. They clearly won't finish up standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Led Zep or the like, but nonetheless if the band can keep this up, this time next year they'll be millionaires. Rating: 4/5
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 Rock'n World |
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Miggs is a four piece centering on their namesake; singer/guitarist Don Miggs. Miggs writes a pretty good ballad and the band revs up the power when they need to, creating a sort of Richard Marx-like groove that sounds especially good on "Perfect." Miggs' heart is a-twitter throughout the album, sometimes completely buzzed on love and other times begging for a last chance compromise. Guitarist John Carta puts a nasty fuzz effect to work on "St. Rita" that gives the whole band a chance to harden up and rock out; later in the song Carta pulls off a screeching solo that blends into the song's outro, eventually ending cold, leaving you hanging with your air guitar still flailing. The music is more layered and dense on "It's Over;" perhaps representing the piling-on of emotion that comes with a break-up. The sure-fire hit here is called "Options," where the boys put everything together for a short, punchy piece of power pop with an irresistible vocal hook. Already a good songwriter, Don Miggs is one to watch as his craft matures with future efforts.
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 Strutter Webzine |
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It's good to see America welcome back strong melodies and catchy hooks into their music, because since the Grunge arrived 10-15 years ago it has been nothing but screaming and singing depressive, so without any positive emotion. Happily, the past few years it seems melodies into Rockmusic are necessary to get some attention. MIGGS from San Francisco is a good example of a new band that is actually playing Melodic Rock. The band has been a support act for rockbands like AEROSMITH and KID ROCK, so they are not just another band. They will be compared musically to acts like GOO GOO DOLLS (not a coincidence if you consider the fact that producer of this band has also produced the MIGGS CD), MATCHBOX 20, BARENAKED LADIES, etc. However, I think even the Melodic Rockfans will like this band a lot, because they play their radio-ready melodic rock at a high level with some really great hooks and memorable choruses, even reminding of the FOR ABSENT FRIENDS record 'The big room' (if anyone remembers that record). What I want to say that this band offers some great modern AOR/Melodic Poprock in songs like 'Suddenly Wonderful', 'Perfect', 'Everything is fine' (very catchy poprocker a la THE CLICK FIVE, OUTFIELD, NELSON 'Life' and RICK SPRINGFIELD), 'Be' and 'St. Rita' (with cool early 80s RICK SPRINGFIELD guitar riff). I just don't get it why boring bands like COLDPLAY are popular in the whole world, while the much better melodic rock of mentioned bands only find it's home in the USA, because also this MIGGS proves that there is once again light at the end of the tunnel for melodic rock. It sounds different than 20 years ago when melodic rock was immense popular in The States, but it surely seems like a revival of great classic melodic rock in a modern approach. Better check out this band asap at: http://www.miggsband.com (Points: 8.4 out of 10)
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 Indie Music |
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MiGGs is the name singer/songwriter Don Miggs has given his band, and the type of rock he's created here can best be described as the Alan Alda sensitive kind. Miggs’ sensitivity has range, too. The band resembles U2 during the anthem-like “I Believe,” and it’s a little closer to Toad The Wet Sprocket during “Everything Is Fine.” Miggs claims to have been inspired by Counting Crows and The Wallflowers, and one can certainly pick out bits and pieces of those influences. After adding it all up, you may just want to call this mainstream rock – albeit with an extra dose of vulnerability. There’s also some sonic variety as well. “St. Rita,” for instance, is driven by jangling guitar, while “Into and Over You” sways along quite nicely with its sweet vocal harmonies. “Options” stands out mainly because of its pounding rock groove. Guitar is this recording’s primary melodic instrument of choice, although “Rest” matches Don Migg’s high vocals with an upfront piano part, for just a slight change of aural pace. With all this said, lyrically is where Miggs’ true colors stand out most. On “Superhero (I Fall Apart)” Don confesses to his imperfect humanity over a big bass groove. Then on “Choices (Late Nights & Early Mornings),” he admits, “I’m all out of choices.” Hey everybody, Don’s got problems, too! Producer MacKillop (Goo Goo Dolls, Barenaked Ladies, Sugarcult) gives this CD a bright, commercial sound. If MiGGs is marketed correctly, Don Miggs may well connect with a few other sensitive souls like himself.
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Press Reviews for "Anyway" |
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Cosmik Debris |
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"Don Miggs seems to be writing about me. And you, I think. It feels like things I think about, presented so fluidly, so easily and naturally while the band is rocking flat out to drive the point home. In full flight this band is a powerful rock outfit, they've got ideas changes and tricks, guitar walls and mournful wah wah calls, harmonies and pretty two-string melodies and the real-life stories of Don Miggs to set them apart. If you haven't heard of them, that's the music industry's fault. Fix it."
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 The Muse's Muse |
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"Hearing just 20 seconds of this disc, you know this is a great band to see live. It begins with the radio-friendly and very honest "Lie To You". I always like it when people just lay things on the line. A real winner here is "Grace" in which yet another real in-your-face lyric grabs the listener. My favorite is "Taste", in which Miggs lets his voice rise and fall into a beautiful falsetto. Miggs has a great sound overall. Their musicianship is very strong, the disc is mixed and mastered professionally and their songs have pleasing melodies with very memorable stories. Even their CD jacket is cool to look at. I can see them making it in the big leagues. Way to go guys. "Anyway" by Miggs is one the top 10 CDs of 2002. Congratulations."
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 Splendid |
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"Miggs sound like a major label dream. They have a vaguely alternative sound, but are poppy enough to win mass appeal. Anyway would make a perfect soundtrack for most of TV's teen melodramas. "Between the Lines" is the type of pop-punk tune that would blare as the show's heroes are on their way to a party. During one of the party's quiet moments, "To Be Alone" would be heard softly in the background. "Taste" is the song playing as the show's main couple fight, and then walk around in a contemplative mood. And, as the couple reunite just before the end credits roll, "Lie to You" would be blaring in the background. Forget the theory about Pink Floyd and The Wizard of Oz; someone should look into Miggs and Dawson's Creek."
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 Aiding & Abetting |
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"Miggs plays well-crafted rock full of rich hooks and nice guitar work. There are jangle-pop references (to the 80's) and even the occasional syncopated back beat. Mostly, though, this is precisely what arena rock is supposed to be: Tuneful, heartfelt and just a little shiny. A real good time. Miggs does this sound oh-so-well, and these boys even know enough to add a few nice tricks. Very cool".
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 All Music Guide |
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"Miggs render an entertaining set on Anyway, a sturdy collection of tracks that display classic pop song craft, dynamic vocal harmonies, and solid musicianship. Akin to mainstream rockers of the past three generations, (Miggs) has mastered the art of suspense: The verses are tense, the solos are crisp, and the choruses often explode with a melodic flourish. Miggs make no bones about their influences, as in "Between the Lines," which deadpans the spirited satire of Elvis Costello, or the overtly raucous Replacements via Rockpile vibe on "Hello World." But "Wish" is a worthy arena rock dirge, and the title track transverses dance, acid rock, and bubblegum all within a span of three minutes. Miggs haven't reinvented the wheel on this outing, but they succeed as working class heroes."
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 Music Reviewer |
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"Miggs is in the power pop end of the musical spectrum; what sets them apart from the rest of the pack is the hooks and killer chords that are part and parcel to this particular genre and that the band isn't afraid to throw in a changeup or three, instrumentally. Accordingly, a good but otherwise unremarkable track like "Between the Lines" is highlighted, and distinguished, by the use of rounds on the chorus and some guitar changeups that you wouldn't expect." "This is true throughout ANYWAY, Miggs' debut CD. The tracks are split almost evenly between uptempo ("Blank," "Lie to You" "Anyway"), and power ballad ("Taste," "Grace," "To Be Alone"). The band, however, refuses to follow formula, using the expected as a template to be adapted, not slavishly followed. Accordingly, "Taste" unexpectedly includes wah-wah guitar over a rolling drum backbeat to become something more than your average already radio-friendly single." "Grace" begins with an ominous chord change over Migg's just-this-side-of-overwrought vocal before sliding into a quiet piano solo. "Wish" has an intro which puts one in the mind, initially, of Hendrix' "Little Wing", which simultaneously draws the listener in and sets him up for the changeups to come. "Blank", however, is the track on which the band hits its mark most strongly, and demonstrates that it occupies that ground which Night Ranger aspired to, but never really reached, and which Counting Crows should have shot for, and never did…" "Miggs rocks along quite nicely without getting so artsy-fartsy as to alienate its potential audience. The result is that ANYWAY is a CD that you'll hum along to while being impressed with the two or three quirky instrumental changeups, which the band throws into every track." "This is a band that is looking to go somewhere; given the attention which they pay to crafting their music, and the skill which they exhibit in doing so, they should be able to ultimately get wherever they want to go. Check em' out."
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 Angelfire |
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"…this alternative rock foursome aren't afraid of sounding 80's retro along the lines of Seven Mary Three. In fact, maybe the young rockers of today could learn a little bit from the group. On the song 'Taste' Miggs makes you feel his heartbreak. The record has tasteful melodies and catchy popular hooks. In a music world dominated by boring raves and bad boy bands (Miggs) arrives fairly worthy of our attention."
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 Independent Songwriter |
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"ANYWAY IS INDIE PICK OF THE MONTH - "Where else could you find incredible sex appeal, great songwriting, and a polished sound?…that's Miggs. "Not only is this band incredibly hip and fresh, but they have the finesse to write incredible pop-rock tunes with substance." "Don Miggs knows how to wrap himself around a song. The sound pours out of him like a man possessed to tell a story. Even on the ballads this guy bends the song until it takes on unbelievable form. The drummer Jason Gianni is quite a surprise. Just when you think he's going to play a cliché drum beat, he does something totally off-the-wall and unexpected; lending a real excitement to every tune." 'If there was one element that was the backbone support of the band, it would have to be Mark Baker. The bass not only holds all the pieces together, it keeps the music really tight and focused on the mainstream direction. And Mike Muller lends his flighty-fingered chops to the mix for a smorgasbord of auditory splendor."
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 SF Examiner |
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'Hot out of the mail carrier's pouch is the new CD "Anyway" by Miggs, a San Francisco pop-rock band fronted by Don Miggs, a transplanted New Yorker who's come west to claim some fame. So far, so good. The recording is a collection of well-crafted, catchy, guitar-based, melodic rock."
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 Contra-Costa Times |
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'Hooked on hooks? Check out the Miggs sound I'm an admitted sucker for hooky pop music. Miggs is ready to step in with the pop bands that always manage to straddle enough of the middle ground to never go out of style. There's some matchbox twenty ("Piece of Mine"), some Counting Crows ("Wish") and some late '90s Soul Asylum ("Lie to You"). This record, produced by Miggs, is as polished and catchy as anything that crosses my cluttered desk from major labels. Some of these songs are guilty pleasures -- the syrupy "Grace" is worth a couple of listens in a row, whether you admit it or not. Hooks sneak up on you in every song, which for a hook-sucker like me is the best way of hearing the music."
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 Altar Native |
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'It has all the makings of it becoming one of those albums that lands airplay all across the radio airwaves… Ever notice how sometimes we'll forget a close friend's name in mid-conversation every now and then? That pretty much applies to Anyway… The harmonies on tracks like "Grace" are quite vivid, and Muller's impressive six-string skills appear throughout the album. The band does stray from the Matchbox formula from time to time, such as on "Between the Lines," where the quartet opts for a more beat-driven, Beatles-esque approach, and "Wish," where country-flavored hues rise from unhurried pop hooks…"
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Amplifier Magazine |
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"Don Miggs and his band have produced a nice little record. The opening track, "Lie To You", is a pop song, plain and simple. "Between The Lines" has a Jellyfish feel. "Hello World" chugs along nicely for about two minutes, then does a cool 30-second tempo change before getting back to business."
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 Pop Matters |
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"Bands like the Miggs used to be a dime a dozen. Every town had a few, guitar-based quartets that were long on hooks and short on innovation -- and no, those two elements are not at cross-purposes. Alas, that was then and this is, well, a time when a band like the Miggs is as much a breath of fresh air as a throwback to what those of us who went to college in the '80s consider a better time for music.
This isn't the second coming of Weezer, or even Material Issue, for that matter. It is a decent pop-rock record the likes of which is becoming more and more rare as major labels search for pop bands to bludgeon with bombastic production and indie labels fight that sea change by turning to noise rock and lo-fi pop. Somewhere betwixt those two extremes there is plenty of room for the Miggs of the world: solid pop bands that feature two guitars, bass, drums playing melodic songs with harmonies and hooks."
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 Borders |
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Borders hails Miggs as "one of the San Francisco Bay Area's best rock bands…"
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 Billboard |
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"…Miggs is distinguished by a timeless quality that will keep them fresh-sounding for years to come."
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SF Herald |
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"Keep your ears and eyes open for the next Miggs record. (These) alt/pop rockers are gonna be the next big thing outta the San Francisco Bay Area - as big as Counting Crows or Train. Mark my words…"
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