Indrek Patte - 2023 - In

(54:01; Strangiato Records)

Track list:
1. The Opening 6:23
2. Are You In 5:28
3. Twisted Reality 7:15
4. Restless 7:18
5. Walking with You 6:43
6. Fragile 5:02
7. Lord of the Miracles 15:52

Line-up:
Mathieu Spaeter - guitars
Vladislav Reinfeldt - bass
Andrus Lillepea - drums, percussion
Priidik Soon - flute
Edward Soon - cello
Hendrik Soon - violin
Indrek Patte - vocals, keyboards, arrangements


Prolusion.
Estonian artist Indrek Patte has nurtured a solo career for the past decade and a bit, following many years of tenures in many bands active in his local music scene. A few years have gone by since his most recent solo album was out, and he makes a welcome return now in the fall of 2023 with "In". This is the fourth studio album by Indrek Patte as a solo artist, and was released through the label Strangiato Records.

Analysis.
While I seem to recall that many of Patte's previous solo albums have differentiated a bit in style and orientation, this time around he has created what I'd describe as more of a purebred progressive rock album. It isn't an album that is uniform or one-dimensional in scope though, as there is still a good deal of variation to be enjoyed here, but everything is tucked nicely well inside the borders of the progressive rock universe on this occasion.

The opening instrumental 'The Opening' showcase Patte's affection for classic era progressive rock. Expressive keyboard textures and elegant guitar solo runs combines and takes turns in being the dominant mood providers on this uplifting and distinctly retro-oriented creation. The instruments used sound similar to the instruments used back in the heyday of progressive rock, and the specific orientation is well inside of the symphonic tradition in this case.

We do get a couple of more contemporary sounding compositions as this album moves on from this charming and romantic start, with a few songs that are more atmospheric laden in form, function and execution and with points of reference being bands such as IQ and later day Pendragon. But the more retro-oriented material have a more dominating role this time around, with other songs adding references to the likes of both Kansas and Gentle Giant, as well as a more careful construction that sounds a bit like a darker and more haunting take on the landscapes a band like Camel used to explore back in the day. With one song also blending elements from the older and more romantic traditions of the form with the more atmospheric laden landscapes typically described as neo-progressive rock.

For many long time fans of the genre, the pick of this album will be the song that concludes it. Almost 16 minutes of old school progressive rock that ebb and flow between the careful and the majestic, the elegant and the powerful, the expressive and the atmospheric laden. 'The Lord of Miracles' is the name of this charming and retro-oriented epic length creation, and this is one of those songs that come with an obligatory Genesis reference or three.

While there are many old school references scattered throughout this album, and many songs that come with a strong and distinct retro feel to them, the very well executed mix and production does add a bit of a timeless quality to this album in my opinion. If intended or not I do not know, but the impression I have after giving this one a good listen is that the album as a whole has a timeless feel to it in the mix and production department. One that allows the moods and atmospheres of the individual songs to set the time and date stamp, so to speak, without the mix and production applied having a dominant role or making a strong impression in terms of how and when this material was recorded. A matter that, in my book at least, is a distinctly positive one.

Conclusion.
This latest solo album by Indrek Patte is a production that comes across as a very solid one on all levels, with plenty of moments of magic being very much present and a presence throughout. Those with a passion for old school progressive rock and symphonic progressive rock may possibly be more appreciative of the landscapes explored here than others, but in general a very solid album that should please those that are fond of compelling but expressive and well produced progressive rock that focus on melodies, harmonies, strong moods and distinct atmospheres.

Olav "Progmessor" Björnsen, November 2023

Links:
https://indrekpatte.com/