On their first new album in four years, Patio stick to their guns and double-down on their excellent brand of post-punk that features raw-boned guitar, dried out percussion, and punching bass and harken back to the stark sounds of the genre's origins. Staccato beats and scratched melodies can define the majority of Patio's songs, but varied rhythms give their songs the needed life to make things take on new tones and give their songs the dynamic they need to stand out in a crowded scene of bands all striving for a newfound approach to a sound that defined the '80s. Yet as much as it induces a nostalgic vibe, Patio sound very much of the present. Their take is fresh, bold, and on stage they came across as more confident than ever, ready to take charge and declare their spot as leaders of an ever-growing community. "Sixpence" kicked off the set and it was immediate how much more vibrant their songs feel in an intimate live setting, the band's vibe of dissonant, sharp grooves grabbing hold with a white knuckle grasp making for a restrained yet intense display of focus and power. The band was locked-in with an air-tight polish that held serious water as the rhythm section deflected the metallic guitar strokes with purpose, giving the band a killer, well-defined stance that heightened their sense of melody. "En Plein Air," the lead single from the album stands as their best track to date and just like it does on the album, it takes hold during their set as their strongest moment and one of sheer brilliance that puts them in the same conversation as many other leaders of the scene like Dry Cleaning or Bar Italia. It's a commanding song and the clearest example of their sound shining through with abundant pleasure. The dueling vocals of bassist-vocalist Loren DiBlasi and guitarist-vocalist Lindsey-Paige "LP" McCloy make for vital moments and give great balance to the trio's solid sound. The flash and decadence of the '70s and '80s is apparent on every track on the group's latest album and while their glamour transcends on stage, there is also a minimal twist that anchors their sound, grounding the band and their overall message. There's as much Bowie and Roxy Music as there is ESG and Young Marble Giants, but there's also the band's own unique aspects that they bring to the table with esteemed passion and critical research. Four years after their debut and moves both across and country and to Europe could've fractured the band beyond repair, but Collections serves as a reminder that these three can escape the complexities the world has thrown at them over the past half-decade and they can still emerge on top with their best work yet. It's more than a collection of their songs, but their essential spirit as well and that's not one to be taken for granted. It's one the band has earned over the years and now they're back, ready to conquer, and here to confirm their place as visionaries who've paid their dues.
No comments:
Post a Comment