We push on, persevere, stride forward, though not toward a specific destination or outcome—no, we strive for an intangible, the promise of what could be. For some it’s love, others money, and for most everyone it’s the intrinsically linked respect and freedom. Not everyone wants to rule the world. In fact, I’d argue, most don’t. We simply want to rule our lives, to not fret, to step from the daily grind into the sunshine, to bask in its warmth—that’s the dream, at any rate. The irony, of course, is that what’s holding us back often comes not from outside forces, but within. Figurative demons shadow us.
Miko Marks’ remarkable Hell or High Water delves into the actualities of this thing called life. It’s bluesy and intense, accented by electric guitars and Marks’ gritty vocals. It’s gut-first and emotive, catharsis set to song. The press release quotes her as saying that the album is about “resilience, healing, freedom, and choosing hope in the face of pain. These songs acknowledge the darkness without surrendering to it.” She’s not talking in the abstract, either. In 2024, after 29 years together, she parted ways with her husband and, soon thereafter, embraced sobriety. Those experiences informed this project.
Written and produced with longtime collaborator Justin Phipps, the 10-track set opens with a defiant vow to stay true, “Ain’t Nobody Gonna Bring Me Down.” It sets the tone for all that follows: a shuffling beat, harmonica, guitar, and Marks’ in-your-face vocals. It veers into the land of bravado, I think, as she declares, “I’m feeling good, won’t let nothing turn me around.” “It’s Alright” finds her braving life’s storms with both trepidation and resolve. To again quote the release, this time about this specific song, she explains, “There are moments where I question what’s next and where my path will lead. It reminds me that I can trust that everything is being revealed exactly as it should. Looking back, I can see that my strength was built during tough times and if I just hold on, keep trusting, all will be well.”
“Ease My Mind” delves into peaceful, easy grace—momentary, it turns out, as “Death Rolls Like Thunder” finds the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse storming the ring (with J.J. Dillon in tow, no doubt). The rough-and-ready “Sweet Mama’s Blues,” for its part, digs into the genetic aspect of such “family traditions” as addiction and depression. “I’ve Got a Feeling,” which follows, finds Marks sensing a depression spiral; whether she can fend it off is anyone’s guess. “Reaper Blues” echoes the ages while recounting a standoff with Death, while the title track—inspired by the losses of her mother and sister—finds her vowing to keep on keeping on. The acoustic-driven “Bound to Roam” turns life on the road into a metaphor for feeling lost. The album closes with the sweet sound of “Freedom,” which invites the listener to accompany her on whatever comes next.
In short, Hell or High Water is old-school blues, the kind of collection that connects the dots between today and yesterday. As Marks puts it, “Blues is a part of who I am. It’s woven into my upbringing, my experiences, and my musical journey. It’s one of the influences that has always been present in my story even though I did not initially know it—the way it carries pain, truth, resilience, and hope. With this album, I want to honor those roots and the music that helped shape me, while carrying that tradition forward in my own voice.” It’s a wonderful album, one that’s well worth seeking out.
Available to stream on Marks’ birthday, October 30th, it can be purchased—on CD or LP— from her website.
