Dan Patlansky
Dear Silence Thieves
Independent Label
This is the seventh album release from South African singer-songwriter and guitarist Dan Patlansky who is now making quite an impact in the United Kingdom. Having gained support from Selwyn Miller (New Orleans based manager for David Gates, Bread, Randy Crawford) early in his career, a guitar and amp endorsement from Fender and the opportunity to open for ‘The Boss’ Bruce Springsteen at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg to 64,000 in February 2014 at Springsteen’s request it was clear that he was destined for big things.
Opener ‘Backbite’ hits your ears straight away with his heavy guitar as his band consisting of Clint Falconer (bass) and Andy Maritz (drums) keep the rock quality at a high standard. The lyrics are really fascinating as he sings ‘Lonely nights, cracked in light, broken days, mind like a crippled maze. It is clear why this was chosen as the radio single. The chorus is memorable and original as well which shows that he has songwriting talent.
‘Pop Collar Jockey’ is very much a reference to a ‘type of South African gentlemen’ but the theme is relatable in any country; a troublemaker who walks around with a group/gang/posse for credibility and visually looks ridiculous. It works on this album because it is significant to him and has a lot of dark humour.
‘Fetch Your Spade’ isn’t about a trip to Brighton Beach or an episode of Gardener’s World but he is explaining to someone to bury his chariness and plant his credence instead. This is quite a philosophical song and definitely worth a listen.
A highlight for me is ‘Hold On’ because Patlansky’s guitar is so subtle but it has such an impact. It is quite haunting as his guitar solo just cries out and I realise that when George Harrison sang ‘While My Guitar Gently Weeps’ this is the type of playing he was alluding too. Each chord echoes out his pain and you know that a lot of thought has gone into this piece.
‘Taking Chances’ is definitely a (drinking) bar song as I can visualise a music video where Dan is in a saloon/pub type location and playing on a stage whilst a femme fatale type female dances with a man on the dancefloor. (P.S. Feel free to use that way Dan by the way…) It is punchy and has some really cool breaks.
‘Windmills and the Sea’ is quite anthem-ic and I bet that Coldplay had wish they’d written it. The song’s vocal harmonies have a touch of Jackson Browne about them and ‘Only An Ocean (Reprise)’ has a blistering guitar solo which only cements his technically flawless guitar skills.
‘Your War’ has some acoustic-style guitar in the introduction and it is an extremely tender track. It is really refreshing to hear a softer side to him as it makes the album three-dimensional in terms of material as opposed to one-dimensional hard rock (every track is gonna melt your face off attitude).
The album producer Theo Crous has really captured Dan Patlansky’s sound in this album and ‘Feels Like Home’ is a really funky outing (especially with the bass). They do some really interesting sound and volume techniques as well.
Closer ‘Madison Lane’ reminds me of a song by American band The Fray called ‘She Is’ and I think it would work really well in a film.
In conclusion, Dan Patlansky is a musician that has been releasing albums since 1999 and wowing audiences around the world at the same time. His material is so unique to him and this album allows him to open up to his listeners. ‘Backbite’ kicks butt and sets the bar high and Dan and his band keep that music bar high for the entire recording. 2015 is going to be a very exciting year for Dan as for one, he will be the special guest for Joe Satriani’s UK tour in November and I have no doubt that Satriani’s fanbase will be impressed by this phenomenal South African with his crazy good guitar skills and strong voice. I am so glad that he has finally decided to bring his work to a UK audience as this hidden gem is now shining brightly.
Glenn Sargeant
Dan Patlansky’s seventh album release ‘Dear Silence Thieves’ is out now. Dan Patlansky is special guest on Joe Satriani’s “Shockwave Supernova” 9-date UK Tour which starts November 1 at O2 Manchester Apollo. Other dates includes Birmingham Symphony Hall (Nov 2), Glasgow Royal Concert Hall (Nov 3), Sheffield City Hall (Nov 4), Cardiff St David’s Hall (Nov 5), Southend Cliffs Pavilion (Nov 7), Bristol Colston Hall (Nov 8), Portsmouth Guildhall (Nov 9), and Eventim Apollo Hammersmith (Nov 10). Further info: www.ticketline.co.uk/joe-satriani#bio or www.danpatlansky.com
Dan Patlansky also performs at Planet Rockstock on Friday 4th December on the Main Stage at Trecco Bay, South Wales, United Kingdom. Tickets are available at http://planetrockstock.gigantic.com/planet-rockstock-tickets
In addition, Patlansky plays a one-off concert at London’s The Borderline on Saturday December 5, with special guest Aaron Keylock. Tickets priced at £14 are on sale The Gig Cartel , and the 24-hour ticket hotline 0844 478 0898.
