Patrons – The Momentary Effects of Sunlight EP

Patrons, a post punk quartet from Plymouth, UK have just dropped the follow up to their debut in 2014, a self-released new EP titled The Momentary Effects of Sunlight. Lost Age kicks us off in what at first appears to be low-key, subdued way, but it soon becomes apparent that it is building up to an inevitable (and welcome) crescendo of noise. Song structures are interesting (relying heavily on a quiet/loud dynamic), yet not unpleasant and the screaming vocals never get to the point of being too forced. Circus abandons the quiet/loud dynamic completely with an almost jangly riff that transitions effortlessly into a heavier, driving style during the chorus and bridges. Old Rain and Blood Symphony follow similar patterns, with the latter being the better of the two, with swirling guitars and toned down vocals, until you get to the 2^nd chorus bridge where a stunning, desperate chant of It was a mistake to have made that promise, give yourself away let your heart be honest really elevates this one above everything else on the record.

Patrons are clearly talented, the music is well written and tight, vocals are delivered well, but it sounds very familiar. Throughout the EP, I found myself thinking ‘this could easily be a Biffy Clyro song, and at other points I heard hints of The Black Market-era Rise Against and The Deftones. Don’t get me wrong, I like all of those bands to varying degrees, and I like a lot of what Patrons have created on The Momentary Effects of Sunlight, it just doesn’t feel particularly innovative or fresh. That said, I am still interested in what Patrons will create next.