Oh, great, more music 🙄. As if we needed another reason to question the state of the industry. THE AVETT BROTHERS and Mike Patton (because why not?) have graced us with a new single, “Heaven’s Breath”. It’s the final offering of their collaborative album, “AVTT/PTTN”, dropping November 14 via Thirty Tigers, Ramseur Records, and Ipecac Recordings. Prepare yourself for some “fuzzy rock ‘n’ roll.” Apparently, it was Scott Avett’s initial idea to “crank the saw a little bit.” 🪚 I’m already dreading it.
Filled with “growling ambition,” because subtlety is clearly dead, “Heaven’s Breath” is supposed to introduce “heaviness” to “AVTT/PTTN”. This “masterpiece” consists of eight original songs co-written by the three geniuses 🧠 (plus one folk traditional, because originality is overrated) and produced by Mike, Scott, and Grammy-winning engineer Dana Nielsen (who’s worked with METALLICA and Rihanna, because range). Seth Avett is comparing this fiery track to MR. BUNGLE‘s “Retrovertigo”… seriously? Mike Patton, being the legendary frontman of FAITH NO MORE and MR. BUNGLE, naturally delivers a “signature dynamic vocal performance.” I’m sure it’s just as groundbreaking as his last 50 projects 😴.
For the Avetts, working with Patton was “more than just a new collaboration.” It was a “full-circle moment.” Apparently, Mike is part of their DNA, “like the fabric of their youth.” Scott even admits to studying and imitating him 🙄. Patton chimes in with some profound insight, saying his “peculiar challenge” was to become a “long distant cousin.” A brother that was orphaned. Maybe they kept him in the chicken coop. Years later, they let him out to grace us with his presence. 🐔 Wow, so deep.
“AVTT/PTTN” kicks off with the “gentle acoustic guitar” of “Dark Night Of My Soul”, where Patton‘s “seasoned croon” blends with the Avetts‘ voices for a “rich three-part harmony.” Sounds thrilling 😐. Then, we get the “driving fuzz” of “Heaven’s Breath” and the “scuzzy stomp” of the folk classic “The Ox Driver’s Song”, pushing the Avetts into “new sonic terrain.” Of course, it also showcases Patton‘s “trademark dynamic range.” Each track is the result of a bizarre process: songs sketched by Scott, reshaped by Patton, and then reimagined again with Seth. This apparently gave the music its “distinct character and balance.” I’m sure it’s a symphony of chaos 🎻.
What emerged from this partnership is a “collision of worlds.” “AVTT/PTTN” is Scott, Seth, and Mike at their “most adventurous,” writing and singing together “without boundaries,” and “carving out a space that’s entirely their own.” 🙄 Translation: they made a mess and are trying to sell it as art.
Here’s the track listing for your listening displeasure:
01. Dark Night Of My Soul 🌑
02. To Be Known 🤔
03. Heaven’s Breath 🌬️
04. Too Awesome (I highly doubt it) 😎
05. Disappearing (Hopefully, this album will) 💨
06. Eternal Love (For mediocrity, maybe) ❤️🩹
07. The Ox Driver’s Song 🐂
08. The Things I Do (Regret my life choices, probably) 🤦
09. Received (A headache) 🤕
THE AVETT BROTHERS, those four-time Grammy Award nominees, made “mainstream waves” with their 2009 debut, “I And Love And You”. They’ve had albums hit No. 4 and No. 5 on the Billboard 200. There’s even a documentary about them co-directed by Judd Apatow. In 2019, they released “Closer Than Together”, featuring the chart-topping single “High Steppin'”. Then came “The Third Gleam” during the pandemic, which also hit No. 1 on various charts. This year, they dropped a self-titled album. Also, there’s a musical inspired by their music on Broadway. They’ve been inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame and have a Lifetime Achievement Award. They’re also touring the U.S. because someone has to pay the bills 💸.
Patton is described as a “Renaissance man.” He’s been in FAITH NO MORE and MR. BUNGLE, collaborated with others, composed film scores, done voice acting, and started his own record label, Ipecac Recordings. Apparently, there’s “no limit” to what Patton can do. Except maybe make something I actually want to listen to 🎧.
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
