Contributed by Andrea Talbert
Adam Patterson & The Heavy Hearts EP Release Party
10/19/2018 – 7PM
Adam Patterson & The Heavy Hearts
Palmer Train Depot
610 S Valley Way, Palmer
FREE Event
A culture is often defined by the ideas of the people that comprise the community, ideas that can be shared by stories or in a most favored method: Music. Adam Patterson is the prodigal son of Palmer, whose writings create a nuanced yet familiar feeling on topics of love and loss, home and heartache.
In their debut EP, Adam Patterson and the Heavy Hearts define a new sound in the Mat-Su Valley to what can best be conveyed as the personification of Americana folk that grew-up in a classic rock and country household. No, not quite the Donny and Marie, “I'm a little bit country and he's a little bit…” Well, you get it. The influences behind this sound mirror that of prolific writers that transcend genre. John Moreland, whose song “Hearts Too Heavy”, was the inspiration for the band's name, being one of those writers. Much like Moreland, Adam Patterson writes for the lovers.
While the reason behind the Lonestar state hate is unknown, the EP's first single (available on iTunes and Spotify as of Friday, Sept 7th), “To Hell With Texas”, imposes the lighthearted mandolin rhythms of Carly Serencha over the classic riffs crooned through the lines of lead guitarist, Dylan Jenkins. A waltzing conversation takes places in the narrative of moving north and on, a surefire anthem for those who have known a heavy heart.
“I Don't Want To Love You Anymore” is a two-stepping tune with bluegrass roots of a two-timing lover, by way of halfhearted distraction. Patterson paints our protagonist as a self-sacrificing and empathetic hero who has had enough. The lines of this track paired with the vocals of Adam and Carly speak to the sophomoric love we all should be so fortunate to identify with.
If ever a song could break a heart, “Missing Georgia” might need a cardiac warning. Built on a man realizing his partner is “missing Georgia/more than you're missing me” lends to the admission of a relationship changing after a long and neglectful winter. The harmonic chorus of a repeated, “I'll try.” leaves the listener hopeful for the effort one can put into letting love grow back after it has faded. Swelling sounds resonate with the crashing symbols of drummer, Don “Pete” Gates, in a near vocal-like cry over the heavier tones in a distorted Jenkins solo. This is a devastatingly beautiful look at the seasons in life and the honesty after apathy.
As every great playlist maker knows: end this on a high note. “Back Home” is the track to blare out your windows while driving down the Flats of the Glenn, or the Old Glenn, into the Valley.
Hit play at the Eklutna “Bridgepocalypse” Exit and roll along the Knik to set the aesthetic tone for this one. The undulating notes of the bassist, Tim Strunk, drives this Alaskan beach bonfire classic. Gravel road imagery and words of past parties fuel the passion behind this sentimental song. Bring your hearts, no matter their weight, and dancing shoes for this one.
You can join The John Budnik Band, Dirty Poetry and Adam Patterson and the Heavy Hearts in celebrating the release of this EP on October 19th. This free, all-ages, release party will be held in the Palmer Depot at 7PM. Cash bar available for those 21 and up. Full bar is provided by Palmer City Alehouse.
