Patakas
When You’re Ready
Wildgoose
2023
When You’re Ready is the debut EP from Patakas featuring brothers Will and Joe Sartin. Their pedigree is virtually unmatched in modern Folk – their father, Paul Sartin, of Bellowhead, Faustus and Belshazzar’s Feast fame, and their maternal grandfather (and producer), Doug Bailey, who also runs Wild Goose Records.
It would be ridiculous to ignore the fact that this is an EP that has grown from grief. Equally, it would do Patakas an enormous disservice to believe that When You’re Ready is simply a memorial to a much-loved father. It is utterly infused with love and loss, but through it all, a new band emerges that deserves attention on its own merits.
Spanish Ladies is a well-known shanty standard, but in the hands of the Sartin brothers, it seethes with a deep sea darkness, part of the chorus – “we’ll drink and be jolly and drown melancholy” – sounding incredibly unlikely for there’s no drowning of melancholy here. Joe Sartin’s vocals are strong and clear, Will’s mandolin dexterous and fluid, both turning their faces to the world, hauling on an anchor and setting sail. It is a glorious statement of intent for this EP, unashamedly acknowledging the past but looking forward and finding their own voices.
It is no surprise that Paul Sartin does, indeed, cast a long shadow over this release. His sons have gently rummaged through his rich back catalogue, special moments carefully lifted and given a loving polish. Thresherman, a 19th-century broadside, is an album highlight on which Will’s beautiful mandolin lines trace silver around Joe’s excellent vocal as the tale is told of a hard-working family man.
American Stranger is one that Paul used to sing, and as Joe finds his way into the song, you can hear echoes of his father’s voice. Joe starts hesitantly, the only time across these six tracks that he doesn’t exude confidence, almost seeking permission, until his brother joins him. The two voices, the two instruments, give one another strength. It would be a hard heart that wasn’t moved. Then, to complete the celebration, a lovely, thoughtful, reflective version of Paul’s Princess Waltz.
Country Carrier is a song that the Sartin brothers remember being sung around the house as kids. Their version of this music hall song is full of rose-tinted nostalgia; It’s an infectious earworm, an unabashed moment of the warmest joy.
The instrumental tunes are equally joyous. Horizonto/Mystery Inch are jigs, upbeat and jolly. Will’s mandolin, once again to the fore, is playful, whilst his brother’s guitar keeps the dancing feet moving. Temperley Hornpipe is another from the Faustus archive, but it is Bye a While, which dashes away the clouds and allows the sunlight to peek through. Will Sartin is also in the ceilidh band Out of Hand, and this Pádraig Rynne tune was taught to him by the band’s recorder player, Stuart Duncan.
Talking about ‘When You’re Ready’, Will and Joe said, “…We realised that music has not only been something we’ve always loved doing but has also created so many strong bonds and incredible memories, whether that was with direct family or friends that we consider family. So, in this spirit, we compiled the songs and tunes that we feel really capture strong memories for us.” While that intent resonates with the listener throughout this moving recording, it also highlights what a skilful and innovative duo Patakas are. I hope we get to hear more from them.