Dan Patlansky — Shelter of Bones

Award-winning South-African blues rock guitarist Dan Patlansky has returned with his new record Shelter of Bones. The album was recorded over a three-year period from 2019 – 2021 with the global pandemic giving him not only time with his family but also time to think about the songs and how he wanted them to come across.

Enlisting the help of Tom Gatza from Hamburg, Germany on arrangements and production on three tracks they set to work in South African recording studios. Opener ‘Soul Parasite’ is a commentary on the people who control the world and somehow are destroying it for their own interests. It has tinges of Led Zeppelin with drummer Andy Maritz blending well with Dan Patlansky’s vocals, guitar and bass.  ‘Snake Oil City’ is a particular favourite of mine with its gritty lyrics about a fictional place but inspired by the current South African government.

Then we hear a tender side on ‘I’ll Keep Trying’ which is a ballad produced by Gatza that showcases not only the high production values but the quality of the songwriting. ‘Devil’s Dopamine’ tells the listener of the perils of social media completely with groovy bass that puts me in the mind of Was Not Was at times.

The airy arrangement for ‘Sweet Memories’ provides space for the earworm chorus shine. The title track closes the collection with Patlansky giving advice to his children as he is concerned with what they can expect when he is grown up. That is something I am sure that parents will understand and connect with.

Overall, ‘Shelter Of Bones’ is an exciting album that does not do the obvious as Dan Patlansky has worked hard at giving the material the time and breathing space and I feel that it has really paid off. An emotive and entertaining offering.

Dan Patlansky’s new album ‘Shelter Of Bones’ is out now on Virgin Music Label and Artist Services. In addition, Dan Patlansky will tour the UK in Spring 2022 with special guest Arielle (except Manchester). For more information visit: www.danpatlansky.com