Songs of hope, connection and communion, guided by darker fragments of subject matter and story, elevated by the warmth of soulful vocal depth and organic musical arrangements. Acoustic creative Patrick Ames never fails to entertain and connect with his original songs, and the brand new album Slow Dip Ahead is far from the exception.
We begin with the lyrical captivation, melodic warmth, and intimate vocal passion, of the brilliant More Than I Can Take. A song of personal turmoil, health struggles and vulnerability, detailed in a way that’s easy to relate to, and moved along by an increasing instrumental warmth that consistently holds you captive.
Optimism is key, despite these personal difficulties, a sense of possibility and incoming gratitude and freedom resounds, and that’s true of many of the songs that make up Slow Dip Ahead.
Stylistically we step into an upbeat, two-step rise and fall groove, for the quirky Bop Bop Buddha – a new setting, within which Patrick’s voice proves equally engaging, versatile yet ever intentional and honest.
Then for I Was Thinking, a personal highlight, raw acoustic blues keeps things simple and intriguing, as our protagonist contemplates the impact our species has had on this beautiful planet. Patrick is unconfined by both genre and topic, and that eclecticism rings loud throughout this grounded yet unpredictable album.
A touch of darker grunge-like acoustic depth emerges for an emotive and compelling The Lonely Lie, another timeless favourite for its details and the stylish underlying acoustic mood – not to mention those subtle yet striking vocal echoes and harmonies.
Then flipping the script once again, Young and Amorous brings back the big-beat, the vocal joy, and the smooth escapism of nostalgia and embracing the moment. “Let’s pretend the years have been generous” resounds amidst a disco-kissed arena of sounds, with a short but striking melody, and featured vocals that add further dynamic to this easily memorable track.
I See The Window is equally smooth and bluesy in its verse drone and reflective contemporary narrative. After which the dreamy keys and soulful adlibs of Entangled seem beautifully well-placed. Here we enter a mellow Americana flow, with deeply reflective, thoughtful lyrics, and a sense of warmth that continuously raises the mood.
Wrapping things up is the funky bass-line and personal ambition of Somehow I’ll Find A Way – an individual ode but one with a universal appeal for its open desire to simply enjoy the comfort of home and family – to embrace the little things and the calmness of daily life. It’s a full-band celebration of stepping back from touring and gigs, and it works well as the curtain call of Slow Dip Ahead.
Inspired by the likes of James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon and Leonard Cohen, and produced by Jon Ireson, the nostalgic or classic embrace of this album is all at once familiar and fresh. The style is timeless, the delivery genuine, and the songs are impressively original. Patrick Ames creates a whole new world of escapism with this – an audio venture that’s thought-provoking but also uplifting to let fill the room.
Visit Patrick Ames Website for more information.
