One Town Over
Need To Know, 2020
9/10
A flourishing singer-songwriter and guitarist from Philadelphia who’s very much acquainted with alt-country and Americana sounds, though this is G.F. Patrick’s debut solo album, his strong storytelling and top notch song craft has already been showcased during his time in the band Black Horse Motel.
“Mud” starts the listen with bright country-rock as Patrick’s soulful yet gritty vocals draw us in immediately, and “Trucker’s Song” continues the mood with spirited guitar work as a quieter but no less impactful formula moves with a pretty, rural approach.
Further along, “Anger Of Magdalene” recruits a punchy delivery of rhythmic, shuffling Americana inspired rock’n’roll, while “James McGovern” brings a fuller template that would make outlaw country fans froth at the mouth. “Blood On The Bottle”, one of the album’s best, then recruits breezy folk ideas as the rhythm section of Billy Conway (drums) and Frank Swart (bass) work together fluidly.
Near the end, “Till The Day We Die” flows with a swift pace of alt-country ideas as does the intricate electric guitar work from Mark Blasquez on “Beauty Fades”.
A very humble, often eloquent effort, G.F. Patrick has delivered an exceptional record, where topical subject matter surrounds mature tunes that any fan of country, folk, or Americana will have no problem embracing.
Travels well with: Chris Moyse- Bitter Ballads & Cynical Prayers; Sarah Morris- All Mine