Layers of maturity, cool vibes and impressive sophistication
are unveiled upon each listen to Patrick Sweany’s latest album DAYTIME TURNED
TO NIGHTMARE. Musical evolution can branch off in many directions, but the
knack of absorbing experience and spinning it in a positive direction is a
valuable trait. Without reading too much into Patrick’s past and influences,
the two factors of being East Nashville based and released on Nine Mile Records
raise hope from the experience of precedence. From this starting point the
record doesn’t disappoint and reveals a voice burrowing out if its soul to form
a bunch of songs for posterity.
Through the neat and rounded structure of ten tracks, the
album hovers around a multitude of music styles while forever gravitating to
those enthralled by the ethos of the Americana movement. Elements of rawness
exist in Patrick’s gutsy vocals and these get refined in a soulful capacity
especially on the emotive sounding ‘Too
Many Hours’. Like so many records of its ilk, the twang-tinged
electrification provides a tantalising backdrop for the songs to flourish and
prosper. ‘Here to Stay (Rock and Roll)’
emerges as the track with the lengthiest staying power and evokes a sound
synonymous with the early seventies era of cult song writing.
Patrick’s career has included around half a dozen album
releases and what gets defined as a more up tempo live show to what is revealed
on this record. However the multiple listening venues springing up in the UK to
cater for the growing demand of high quality American singer-songwriters would
lap up the endless laid back rays emanating from the new record. This commences
with the opening song ‘First Day of the
Week’ and is still running strong when the listener stays fully immersed in
the closing pair of ‘Mansfield Street’ and ‘Long
Way Down’. If your preference is for Patrick Sweany to dig deep into his
blues repertoire then ‘Back Home’ is
available on the menu.
All ten tracks originate from the solo pen of Patrick who
grew up in Ohio, where he musically schooled on classic blues, country, folk
and soul before heading to Music City like so many aspiring songwriters. It is
no surprise to see him mix with artists who are associated with Allison Moorer,
Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller. His music is ready made for the market
frequented by folks who like substantial depth to their valuable listening time
aligned with an inspirational mix of cultured sound, song and vocals.
In the wake of other excellent records released on Nine Mile
Records to cross my path namely Anders Kendall, Rebecca Pronsky and Shinyribs,
DAYTIME TURNED TO NIGHTTIME is a welcome addition. Think a more soulful version
of Jimmy Lafave and you are heading into Patrick Sweany territory. Both artists
are the architects of highly listenable records this year and worthy purchases
for those with a finely tuned Americana-biased ear.
www.patricksweany.com
