Experimental pop artist and singer-songwriter Photocomfort, aka Justine Bowe, drops her latest album, Patron Saint, a collection of songs exploring platonic love. Patron Saint is Photocomfort’s first release in five years.
Bowe explains that she took a break from releasing music “because writing songs didn’t feel genuine. I didn’t feel like anything was worth writing, let alone releasing—until the idea of writing these love songs for friends presented itself. I could write about my friends forever.”
At times likened to Caroline Polachek, Joanna Newsom, and Bjork, with features in elite media outlets, Photocomfort has toured with St. Lucia, Lewis Del Mar, and Beirut.
Encompassing 11-tracks, Patron Saint begins with “Take It On,” highlighting a bluesy jazz melody topped by Photocomfort’s soulful vocals, rich and rounded out by smoky hues. The slow, undulating motion of the tune is at once charming and dripping with retro stylishness.
Entry points include “Roll,” an alluring dream-pop-like tune topped by a sample of shouts and laughter from her best friend, Anjimile, and soft, glowing harmonies that elevate to brighter tones.
Talking about “Roll,” Photocomfort says, “I asked them to send me something like that scream noise in ‘Jump Around’ so that I could make a beat with it. They shouted, ‘HEY!!!’ and their partner responded by giggling in the background—I kept it all in. That’s how these songs all started—some real conversation, some stupid bit with a friend, lots of room tone, conversations, laughter…everything stuck.”
A personal favorite because of its drifting sway, “Close to the Sun” features the rapping-lite flow of Cliff Notez and the luminous, delicate vocals of Photocomfort. The drawling textures of a steel guitar provide the intro to “Let It Ride.” When the rhythm enters, the song takes on hints of folk-rock surfaces.
For some reason, “On Time” conjures up suggestions of a sad Patsy Cline song, with Photocomfort revealing the molten opulence of her delicious voice, painted by poignant, warbling nuances.
Blending elements of blues, jazz, and French jazz, “Legs (Lydia Knocks on the Door” ties the album off with affluent melancholic sumptuousness. There’s a luscious old-time feel to Photocomfort’s voice, imbuing the lyrics with tender wistfulness.
Patron Saint is an absolutely marvelous album, with Photocomfort employing her captivating voice with exquisite finesse.
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