PATTON KAADA - ROMANCES

IPECAC RECORDINGS

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: MIKE PATTON AND JOHN KAADA

WRITTEN, PERFORMED AND MIXED BY MIKE PATTON AND JOHN KAADA

2004

Released in 2004, ‘Romances’ is another one of Mike Patton’s projects that seemingly has no precedent. I for one had certainly not heard anyone approach music and songwriting in the way that John Kaada and Mike Patton did for this album. Big, lush orchestration gives way to moments of sparse, delicate lines which in turn give way to an abrupt barrage of guitar, drums, bass and huge vocals. The vocals on ‘Romances’ are astounding for two reasons. The first – Patton’s vocal ability in terms of range, delivery and the way he’s able to emote. Secondly, while each song contains vocals, only one song has actual lyrics. All other songs are sung with wordless melodies and vocals placed here and there for effect, from whispers to gut-wrenching screams. Phenomenal stuff.