ALBUM OF THE MONTH
ALBUM REVIEWS BY JASON SIDWELL AND DAVID MEAD
DAN PATLANSKY
SHELTER OF BONES
Virgin 10/10
As you will have already seen with Dan’s guest video performance this issue (see page 28), he’s a stunning guitarist with an impressive blend of burning blues-rock chops and theory savvy. With Shelter Of Bones, he demonstrates how vibrant and arresting he is as a songwriter too. Recorded over a pandemic-influenced, three-year period and produced by himself, the wait has been worth it. Soul Paradise is a crunching blend of modern and old with its riff and power drums. Dan’s a dynamic singer here too with a husky SRV-meets-Chris Cornell delivery. Snake Oil City features SRV or Albert-esque screaming bends and licks with a phat Texas shuffle groove. The crunchy neck pickup aided psychedelic stomper of Selfish Lover will appeal to those keen on Led Zeppelin and Audioslave (and what a fuzz tone solo!). Dan’s not all blazing though, ballads Lost and I’ll See Trying are intimate and beautiful songs that will merit repeat listens. If you’re a blues-rock fan that loves rich Strat tones and is keen to keep up with modern artists, we can’t recommend Dan enough. (JS)