Arrivalists – The Whitman One’s – Review
by Killian Laher

There are times when, as a music reviewer, you feel ill-equipped to talk about certain music.  Pat Barrett’s new EP, a series of home recordings, is one of those.  For the music here is unremittingly lovely.  It opens with First Thoughts, Barrett’s acoustic guitar picking with just a hint of synth… or organ, and a blissful tune to float away on.  Chink of Light feels like it was written specifically for staring out into the sea.  Wary of Clouds Hanging Over is not a million miles off the last Hedge Schools full-length, Magnificent Birds, Barrett sounding a little w(e)ary himself.

Cities is moodier, with some really gorgeous guitar playing.  It’s music to float away on, especially on the guitar coda, you won’t want it to end.  Lastly, The Space That Is Left drifts serenely to close the EP.  Even for Barrett, this is very contemplative stuff, and deeply emotional.  It signals a time to pause and reflect.  For those uninitiated, this is a good place to discover the wonderful music of Patrick M Barrett.  It’s available from Bandcamp.

Track List:
1. First Thoughts
2. Chink of Light
3. Wary of Clouds Hanging Over
4. Cities
5. The Space That Is Left