Dan Patlansky – Dear silence thieves

South African blues musician Dan Patlansky released his debut album in 1999 and is now releasing his seventh album, Dear silence thieves.  His second album saw him signed to a major label, and in 2006 he became just one of six musicians in Africa to receive a guitar and amp endorsements from Fender.  A highlight of his career has to be the biggest gig he has played – supporting Bruce Springsteen in front of 65,000 fans at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.  April this year though will see him performing at the far smaller Borderline venue in London to launch the new album.

One nice touch with the album CD booklet is that there’s an explanation of where the album title came from (a couple of inconsiderate people talking loudly during an acoustic gig to the extent that the artist stopped the show and threw them out).  It’s something I’m sure many of us can relate to as so many people seem to disturb others at gigs rather than doing the decent thing and leaving to talk elsewhere since they clearly aren’t interested in the gig.  Apart from that the booklet gives the usual bits – thanks, and song lyrics, and also illustrates each page with small electonic circuit diagrams (I can’t tell you what of I’m afraid, but I’m sure someone will be interested enough to work them out).

Brief comments on a few tracks…

The album kicks off with the Blues-Rock song “Backbite”.  It’s got nice catchy riffs and great vocals.  The first time I played the album, this song was enough to have me hooked and waiting to hear what would come next.

Next comes “Pop collar jockey” which starts with a fairly muted sound and a strong echo effect on the vocals, then a minute into the song the power of the guitars ramps up and the song develops more of a rock feel.

One of my favourite tracks on the album is “Hold on”. The opening guitar part reminds me of Chris Isaaks “Wicked game” but in a slower more laid back way.  The vocals on this song are softer and the guitar parts are simply beautiful – a superb song.

From there the album leaps into “Taking chances”, with an opening that sounds more Hendrix than anything else.  That Hendrix feel doesnt last logn and the song quickly changes (although that riff is repeated during the song).  It’s a much brisker heavier song than “Hold on”.

With “Windmills and the sea” there’s another change of pace as Dan swaps his electric guitar for an acoustic guitar.  The vocals are clear and lighter than on most of the songs.  A lovely song.

The album ends with “Madison lane”.  Another acoustic guitar number, and a great track to end the album.

A great album that’s well worth checking out.

“Dear attention thieves” will be released on CD in the UK on 27th April 2015, and Dan Patlansky will be playing a special album launch showcase concert at the Borderline, London on the same date.

Track listing:

1. Backbite
2. Pop collar jockey
3. Fetch your spade
4. Hold on
5. Taking chances
6. Windmills and the sea
7. Only an ocean (reprise)
8. Your war
9. Feels like home
10. Madison lane