The Pattern Theory - The Pattern Theory (Album Review)
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Written by Patrick Gormley
Berlin based instrumentalists The Pattern Theory have spent almost two years distilling their ideas for the eight songs that make up their self titled debut album. The band has put this down to producing too many ideas musically and being overly perfectionist, so lucky for The Pattern Theory all this time and care has paid off.
Recorded at night in rented office space in East Berlin the records sound is a stark contrast to its setting. Skillfully played, the eight tracks have a real laidback freshness to them not at all conjuring images of bleak, disused office blocks instead offering a glowing elegance and charm. Where other instrumental bands rely exclusively on a more severe, vigorous impact, The Pattern Theory seem more focused on articulacy and detail in their songs structure and this serves their debut well.
This attention to detail is clearly apparent throughout the record and is especially evident on tracks like 'Framed Fields' and 'Coracles', two examples where you just know the trio rehearsed them over and over before they were happy with the finished outcome that appears on the album. The minimal harmonies and melodies that also dominate tracks, such as the opener 'Pyramid Schemes' and to a lesser extent 'Chevrons' are visibly influenced by Steve Reich and seventies rock but given their own unique sound enriched by vibraphones, synthesizers and xylophones.
All in all The Pattern Theory have created a very interesting debut record which is somewhat different to the majority of the other instrumental bands doing the rounds out there. It is an album full of charisma and inventive music, something that the band felt took time to produce and we should be glad they did.
The Pattern Theory are currently preparing to take the album on tour and the band have been busy practicing for this with extensive European tours playing with people as wide ranging as Russian Circles, Plants and Animals and Library Tapes. The album is set for release on May 13th but can be heard exclusively until then on The Pattern Theory bandcamp page HERE
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This attention to detail is clearly apparent throughout the record and is especially evident on tracks like 'Framed Fields' and 'Coracles', two examples where you just know the trio rehearsed them over and over before they were happy with the finished outcome that appears on the album. The minimal harmonies and melodies that also dominate tracks, such as the opener 'Pyramid Schemes' and to a lesser extent 'Chevrons' are visibly influenced by Steve Reich and seventies rock but given their own unique sound enriched by vibraphones, synthesizers and xylophones.
