PATRICK JAMES @ The Workers Club – March 24th

Six months ago, I sat cross-legged on the cold, cement floor of  The Workers Club . It was a Sunday afternoon and I’d only just discovered the music of Patrick James . I remember smiling a whole-body kind of smile and being completely blown away.

Patrick and his band were here launching their single, ‘ All About To Change ‘, and tonight they’re doing the very same thing – except this time, it’s for the EP of the same name. It’s funny how things come full circle. There’s a beautiful energy in the room and everyone seems really excited.

The gorgeous  Willow  treated us to a 25 minute set showcasing her soulful, sultry voice. There seemed to be an overwhelming sense of amazement from the crowd – and rightfully so. Willow’s vocals are a tad Amy Winehouse -ish with a hint of  Gin Wigmore and a whole heap of power. I’m a little sad it’s over, actually. The simple set-up of electric guitar, keys and vocals had me completely entranced.

We’re standing shoulder to shoulder and people are saying things like, “Let’s try and get closer,” even though that’s clearly impossible. It’s absolutely packed in here, which is a testament to the hard work Patrick and the band have put in over the last few months; touring, recording, instagramming.

It’s 9.59pm and they’ve taken their respective places on stage. Just like with Willow’s set, we are silent as Patrick introduces the song (and himself). Someone just yelled out, “Love you, Pat,” which achieved a collective laugh from the crowd. “Love you too, man.”

People are dancing already and I have the biggest smile on my face as well as goosebumps covering my arms and legs. ‘ Brighter Lights ‘ is the opening track of the EP and of the night, too. ‘ Something In The Way We Are ‘ has us all swaying gently. Scotty (Steven) on banjo is playing beautifully.

‘ Julianne ‘ is a favourite so far (even though it’s only the third song). It kind of has a  Fleet Foxes sound to it, and new drummer, Joe is showing off his mad skills. I’m beyond impressed – not just with the music, but with the rest of the crowd, too. It’s unusual for a “Workers Club Crowd” to stay so quiet.

Patrick is alone now, once more behind the keyboard. “I thought there’d only be 70 people but there’s way more. Round of applause for you guys.” We’re laughing and clapping and silenced once more as he begins to play ‘ Kings and Queens ‘. His voice has such a warm tone to it.

The band have returned now but this time  Curtis (the bass player) is barefoot. The harmonies are truly beautiful – I really love it when boys can sing. And I love these little re-occuring a capella sections. The transition from one song into another is seamless, too. ‘ Bugs ‘ is a personal favourite and tonight it sounded unbelievably good, especially when the band kicked in after the second verse.

As always, the stage banter is quality. So far, Scotty has taken a crowd shot on his new DSLR, laughed about Patrick’s lack of knowledge regarding Instagram and told us that it’s always him “who makes mistakes.” And now, he and Patrick are playing ‘ Burn Away ‘. Oh, my heart.

“Give it up for everyone’s best friend, Joe Kernahan!”

More laughter – and not just because of Patrick’s introduction of their new drummer – but because they just stumbled through the introduction to ‘ Stay ‘ which “features Scotty on the glockenspiel.” I know that when they sing the line – “…hoping happy birds will fly for you again”, I’ll probably get a bit teary.

Ah, yep.

The tambourine in ‘ Golden Sun ‘ has stopped the tears though as has the warm, full sound of the band. And now we’ve been instructed that it’s time to dance. The first few bars of ‘ Take Your Time ‘ definitely have us moving and the collective “HEY!” from the band produced laughter as well as the willingness to dance even harder. It looks like they’re having so much fun, especially Joe.

Those  Mumford and Sons sounding chords make it difficult not to smile, as does this version of ‘ Demons Running .’ Some of these songs have been re-worked and they just sound utterly incredible. It’s clear that a lot of thought has been put into their structure – the a capella sections, the pauses, the presence and absence of certain instruments in certain sections . . . It’s so wonderful to hear and see such talented young musicians.

And now Patrick and Scotty are telling us that we’re the best audience they’ve had on tour – “No, literally ever.” They’ve launched into a slightly faster “country” version of ‘ All About To Change ‘ which has the crowd singing along and the band smiling, too.

As if the set wasn’t glorious enough, we’re being treated to an unplugged version of ‘ Carry On ‘ which apparently they don’t normally play. I’m not usually speechless, but I honestly don’t have the words to describe this. The four of them are standing at the front of the stage; Joe’s on shaker, Scotty’s plucking away at the banjo, Patrick’s playing guitar beautifully and Curtis is singing like a little champion. It is breathtaking.

This has been a truly inspiring and utterly wonderful EP launch and I know that the line up at the merch stand will probably take Patrick’s breath away, too.

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