Reviews

Artist:Patrick Bishop
Album:Falling
Label:Self Released
Tracks: 10
Rating: ****
Contact:   www.myspace.com/patrickbishop

Hyphen junkie, singer-songwriter-guitarist-arranger-producer etc, Patrick Bishop, manages to avoid the first trap of a solo project of this magnatude. "Falling" does not suffer from the over indulgence that can result from there only being one ear guiding the recording.
It's a well written, well focused album that shows a songwriter moving towards his prime. The ten tracks of "Falling" show an artist that has a real understanding for both tune and lyric, but has yet to fully carve out his own sound. There are bits of the album that seem familiar, but then there are other bits that show you why Patrick will establish himself.
I think the biggest problem is that Patrick himself doesn't quite know where to pitch himself. He's not sure if he's folk, blues or acoustic pop, he's also got one foot on either side of the Atlantic. In someways I'm reminded of a new build house. The design has pulled in inspiration from a number of arcitechs, but hasn't finished settling on it's foundations.
It that sounds negative, it is, but only a bit. "Falling" is also a great collection of songs. Bishop really showcases his songwriting abilities. You're never quite sure what's going to come next. He explores his work very well. He writes songs that you want to listen to because they have both passion and drive.
"Falling" the title track, in both writing style and delivery reminded me a bit of Bobbie Gentry, though with a touch of this side of the pond. It's a song that you can really imagine on a North Carolina radio station. "If You Lie" on the other hand is far more Lubbock. It's not a bad variation for someone based in Newbury.
It may not be pure poetry, but "Falling" comes across more as an anthology than a pure bred album. Ultimately though that doesn't matter, because the great consistency with the cut is the quality. I enjoyed every single track on "Falling" and was disappointed when I reached the end, ten songs simply wasn't enough.
As Gypsy Rose Lee once said, "leave them begging for more". It's a quote that more than applies to a rising star, ladies and gentlemen, I give you Patrick Bishop.