Patrons – The Momentary Effects Of Sunlight

UK post-rock band Patrons subscribes to a familiar brand of well produced altrock meets experimental punk.  Fans of Thrice will find comfort in Danny Reed’s capably clean vocals piercing a backdrop of lushly produced, full bodied instrumental ambition.  Their previous debut EP garnered praise for clarifying the band’s career aspirations, soundly identifying the “all in” commitment of a group of young musicians aiming for the top.  Back to confirm their unyielding commitment, Patrons return with a second dose of their skilled work, The Momentary Effects Of Sunlight.  

Clocking in at a generous four songs across twenty minutes, Patrons take their time to meticulously construct a uniquely audible atmosphere.  Opener “Lost Age” stacks big, gut busting outbursts alongside meticulous stop-n-go indie-esque chords more commonly reserved for those occupying the ranks of Topshelf Records. The general sound unfolds anthemically for this style of post-rock thanks in part to Reed’s charismatic demeanor, and a common denominator that thrives on punchy, stylized riffs and rumbling bass.  “Circus” finds Reed flexing his vocal talents as he mirrors fluctuating loud-to-quiet crescendos like a guide emerging from treaturous mountains and into pastoral valleys.  The descent leads to “Old Rain’s” dark calls and cankerous conclusion, of which closer and mostly chorus-driven track “Blood Symphony” occupies the sonic space somewhere in between.

The Momentary Effects Of Sunlight plants a strong seed for Patrons.  The band plays with the career confidence and compositional knowhow of their influences, although at least in part they continue to search for a truly breakout track in the midst of a very favourable whole.  Any of the tracks could be plucked for a single, but they tend to bleed together as a unit.  While it’s hardly an issue for an EP, the band will need to be wary of pacing themselves effectively across their inevitable full length.  Until then though, listeners should have little issue embracing The Momentary Effects Of Sunlight for its career vision and post-rock expertise.