Patrick Samuel - Distant Star

  by Lisa Torem

published: 27 / 11 / 2019

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Composer Patrick Samuel writes: “As a member of the neurodiverse community, “I hope that each day we get one step closer to a better world as we continue to share our experiences and inspire each other and the world at large to make those changes.” ‘A Distant Star’ is Patrick’s ambient tribute to his late father, “a sorcerer and metaphysician.” Regarding vocalising on this project, Patrick explains: “I was a little beyond my comfort zone, but with these songs, I never felt closer to my father." The construction was based on nineteen demos completed “in a short space of time.” That said, the overarching compositions weave in and out of time, yet a striking structure distinctly exists, bringing to mind, at times, East Indian raga or stoner rock. The Latin-versed ‘Saeculum Oratori’ is understated and a divine opener. Interestingly, the closer is also Latin-based. Low human tones float beneath Patrick’s tenor on the theme song, whilst further down the line on ‘Binding Ritual,’ spoken word by female singer, Cassandra Nelson, abounds. ‘Tomorrow Today’ boasts its own brand of catchiness, tranquil as it seems on the surface. Patrick’s voice is soothing: he has a mature ear and a good sense of dynamics. His ability to play multiple instruments is also impressive: acoustic and electric guitar, bass, keys, violin, sax, xylophone, harmonica, flute and tambourine. Wow! Whilst the title ‘Death Cult’ alarms, the actual song is not. There’s a chanting effect and some kind of unidentifiable meant to resemble wild howls, that while eerie, create more of a hypnotic effect than a threatening one. Isabel Agular’s electric guitar is a major component. Her backing vocals on ‘Witchcraft’ are haunting as well. The patient prose of ‘Be Silent, Be Still’ yields deep meaning. An exposition of love versus hate, it seeps subtly below the surface. The deep bass and miasma of vocal tones on ‘Lovecraft’ make it a standout track. Although there is a sameness to many of the compositions, the collection very much works as it reveals Patrick Samuel’s soul-searching and beautiful spirit.

Track Listing:-

1 Saeculum Oratori
2 Distant Star
3 Binding Ritual
4 Tomorrow Today
5 Death Cult
6 Witchcraft
7 Be Silent, Be Still
8 Shape Of Time
9 Lovecraft
10 Perfect Strangers
11 Napalm Heart
12 Electric Chair
13 Corpus Deus

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