PTRNSKY!
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
A New England native who cut his teeth in the powerful alt-rock outfit Dispatch, Pete Francis stepped away from full band life for his mental health, and this first solo album has the artist focusing on depression and anxiety, something he’s been battling his entire life.
“Can’t Get On With It” opens the listen with swirling guitar amid a thick haze of calm versus busy moments of gritty indie-rock, and “Scared Without Your Love” follows with warm acoustic guitar and playful percussive sounds in the very intimate beauty.
In the middle, the dreamy “All Your Tears” emits a hushed quality that’s quite mesmerizing, while “Eyes Of The Jungle”, the best tune, embraces some folk-rock nods amid the vivid storytelling and cozy backing vocals from Francis’ wife, Kate.
Close to the end, “Mind Over Mind” recruits some Americana ideas via the poetic delivery, and “Wild Heart” finishes with cultured percussion alongside Francis’ reflective tone that’s vulnerable and relatable.
A listen that often surrounds darkness, Francis does share his light, and the presence of love is ultimately what steers these highly personal and emotional songs that balance his past with louder rock and the softness of his singer-songwriter vision.
Travels well with: Stephen Kellogg- Blunderstone Rookery; Jesse Malin- Outsiders