Review by ANGELA TUCKER
A relatively new name in the music game, Patrick James not long ago was busking on the streets of Sydney. With the release of his second EP and national solo tour, he is starting to make waves.
James has built a loyal fan base after touring with the likes of Boy & Bear, Pete Murray, Josh Pyke and Emma Louise. Following his sold out solo tour last year and the release of his first EP All About to Change, this new release delivers beautifully crafted instrumentals, stunning guitar riffs and banjo solos, and his husky vocals and heart-melting harmonies are enough to make you swoon.
The six-track EP features the previously released singles Message and Wait. Message, which blends poignant love-song lyrics with a somewhat upbeat drum backing, will have you hooked from the very first hearing. The rest of the EP stacks up too.
The song Fight with Me features Melbourne-based signer Olympia (Olivia Bartley), whose delicate vocals beautifully highlight James' unique tone.
The first track Heart & All Its Hell has a haunting guitar backing, which gives a nice counterpoint to James’ folksy tone. The rockiest tune of the EP, it’s a little different to James’ previous work.
This EP shows greater depth and range than 2013's All About to Change, giving fans a fuller sound.
James doesn’t stray too far from his folksy roots, and that's probably because what he’s doing is so damn good. With talk of a debut album being released next year, James is sure to please fans of Boy & Bear and the indie-folk genre.
Follow him at www.patrickjames.com.au and on Facebook.