Millan sounds best when her voice is used in conjunction with another singer; her sugar-sweet pitch is too much for a listener when not counter-balanced with the occasional growl or belt from one of her male co-stars. This album also suffers from a lack of original content, as nearly half the album consists of covers. Some do come off very well, including her reworking of collaborator Jenny Whiteley’s country croon on “Day to Day” (which she sings almost entirely a capella). But that's the exception and not the rule, perhaps best expressed in her ho-hum country-fried version of the already tedious Death Cab for Cutie single “I Will Follow You Into the Dark”. The original work is solid, but in the end the entire album falls into monotony. Each of the songs on this record feature the same acoustic guitar strumming, lazy-day drumming and occasional steel guitar, and very few unique or interesting twists or turns pop up to keep the listener on his or her toes.

Though obviously aiming for great heights, Masters of the Burial never gets past slow, steady crooning more reminiscent of Norah Jones than indie rock royalty. With fewer covers, a little more creative instrumentation, or just a little more originality in the lyrics, this album may have come out on top. It’s a pity, because Millan has shown she has talent with her work with other groups. If you like Stars and Broken Social Scene, you may want to give this one a visit, but Masters of the Burial is not a great jumping off point for those unfamiliar with the chanteuse.

Recommended Tracks: "Day to Day," "Bury This"

-Ryan E. Johnson