Patrick Watson - Close To Paradise Album Review

Patrick Watson
Close to Paradise
Album Review

Close to Paradise is the second L.P. from the Canadian band Patrick Watson, and is a bold step in a new direction.

While the album is arguably lacking in the way of memorable tunes, it is a tour-de-force of atmospheric rock, with singer (you guessed it) Patrick Watson sending chills down the spine with a voice eerily similar to that of the legendary Jeff Buckley.

'Daydreamer' is a highlight, combining the main elements of the record to compelling effects; a chamber piano and various electro glitches and whooshes fading in and out of the mix. 'The Storm' is also a triumph, a smoky, barroom confessional with a wailing blues guitar. Most impressive though, is arguably the stately 'Man Under The Sea', a unique track that Radiohead themselves would be proud to put their names to.

This is a record with very few weak areas, and is never anything les than compelling, from the warm melodies of the eponymous opener, to the slow-building glory of 'Bright Shiny Lights' which evokes the spirit of Otis Redding with its shimmering keyboard line.

Close to Paradise is a slow-burning triumph.

Ben Davis