Following the creative rebirth of 2012’s Silver Age and 2014’s Beauty & Ruin, this is another definitive work.
Direct, honest and powerful, Patch The Sky can only win you over, slowly but surely.
Where Beauty fiercely captures an emotional cathartic turmoil, attributed to the loss of his father and his dwindling youth, Patch is more about the acceptance of loss and coming to grips with solitude.
Teetering between the crisp production and outright aggression that marked Mould’s short tenure fronting Sugar, Narducy and Wurster push Mould ever closer to coming unhinged on Patch the Sky.
Patch The Sky is certainly a difficult listen but it’s not without a odd kind of sweetness – it’s full of grief and bleakness to be sure, but there’s also an exhilarating sense of catharsis to be had.
Patch the Sky is undoubtedly the record of someone not only haunted by their past but also the continuing difficulties faced in the present, but it is also a stunning example of Bob Mould’s resolve and ability to channel life, death, love and failure into two sides of meaningful and melodic music.
Mould still sounds best when he’s articulating anger at a high volume, and Patch the Sky succeeds largely because these songs sound as if they were hardwired to raw nerves.
There are some great moments here that echo husker du and somewhat shoegazey sound, but there's some weak songwriting on a handful.
LIKE EATING BREAD AND WATER FOR EVERY MEAL FOR EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIFE. SO BLAND AND TASTELESS.
I'm with Pitchfork on this rating. As much as I enjoy Mould's work, 'Patch The Sky' neither expands or challenges beyond what he's previously created. Frankly, the autobiographical theme is getting tiresome too. My suggestion: If you crave Hüsker Dü, buy Hüsker Dü. If you crave Sugar, buy Sugar. Otherwise, save your shĕk′əls for more significant releases, past or present. Cheers.
#20 | / | Magnet |
#28 | / | Sound Opinions |
#40 | / | Diffuser |