Pat Hull is a
Brooklyn based musician who just recently released an album called Shed Skin. The first thing you will notice when listening
to Hull’s emotional melodies is just how pretty this man’s voice is. Pretty is
generally not a word usually associated with men but it is appropriate when
speaking of singers like Hull. Thom Yorke, the lead singer of Radiohead has a very pretty voice and
has even been known to point that out to reporters in a half-hearted attempt at
self-flagellation. Half-hearted in the
sense that, he knows there is nothing wrong with a pretty singing voice.
Pat Hull may not
be attempting to seize Matt Berninger’s (The
National) title for manliest singing voice of the year award but the two do
seem to share a knack for penning/singing great songs. Hull’s style of music is
somewhat stripped down, consisting mainly of simple percussion, guitar portions
and softly sung vocals. Hull isn’t the only one to sing on this album though, Michael
Chinworth bares a lot of the vocal responsibility on Shed Skin and he and Hull share a few memorable duets on the tracks
In Rehearsal and Full Parade.
It’s difficult to create an album or even a song that can
cause someone to take notice given the sheer volume of music being produced and
released these days. Pat Hull has
managed to do this with his new album. Shed
Skin is filled with ambient songs infused with the characteristics of country
and blues but also has tight innovative hooks that give his music have a
tangible quality.
You can hear the whole album here.
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