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When you've never heard of an artist before, it's easy to describe them by invoking the name of some other, more well-known band.
It's lazy, really, but it gets the point across. The best artists defy description, but some are the kind of good that may remind you of others only because they've mastered it all.
That's Patrick Joseph. Never heard of him? No worries. The L.A.-based singer-songwriter's first album, "Antiques," was released this month, and if there's justice in the world, you'll know his name soon enough.
"Antiques" is a great debut record because it shows off Joseph's many sides. His top-notch songs are decorated with rock 'n' roll, folk and lush pop, and drenched in the truth.
"Arsonist Blues" has a pure rock sound to it, minimal but still getting the job done. Joseph sounds like the lost member of Spoon on this track. The rock music isn't showy, and his scratchy voice draws in the listener.
The rich "Don't Believe It" is a grower – as the song progresses, the deeper it gets, ending in a lush Beatles-esque sound and gorgeous piano.
"Public Diary" is a beautiful dreamy folk/pop track, again with a very Beatles-y vibe. The song shows off many gorgeous instruments; as a music fan, it's so nice to hear real instruments in a song.
"Sugar and Lies" is a wonderful song filled with tension, quiet at first, and full-bodied at the end. Joseph recalls Jeff Buckley on this track and on "Better Than I Was Before."
The off-beat "Slippery Shadow" closes the record, and does it perfectly.
Joseph may bring other artists to mind, but he's very much his own man. He seamlessly blends diverse sounds together into one that is his own.
"Antiques" is pretty much a perfect debut record: it showcases Joseph's many styles without trying too hard or being too showy. Even better, it makes the listener long for another record, just to see what else Joseph can do.
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