- Bryon Harris
The Mood Kings - 'Patches of Blue'
Review by Patrick Joseph
“Patches of Blue” simultaneously rocks and sparks a deep emotional response. The songwriting is fantastic and the band delivers an edgy yet sensitive sound. The melody is absolutely intoxicating and the performances are stellar. The lead vocal is driving and engaging, the rhythm section is massive, and the piano, organ and guitar work is reservedly intricate. This music carves out a very cool niche in rock…intense, soulful, and captivating.
Lyrically, “Patches of Blue” is a song about galvanized strength in the face of struggle. You will get a shot of resilience and resolve when listening to this one.
“Patches of Blue, Above me and you, And did we laugh until we cried?”
The lead vocal on this song delivers these lyrics with conviction and honesty.
“I want to trade these old memories, For something new, something free, And all the walls I’ve built with all this fear and guilt, Are nothing now to me.”
Listeners will love the feeling of redemption this song provides.
“Patches of Blue” is the type of song that you listen to twice in a row so you can sing along the second time. The way the chords and melody work together is unbelievable. This music contains a true delicate power. A slow dynamic build from the beginning of the song to the epically huge chorus is so satisfying. This is achieved by a gradual layering of instruments and back-up to create the perfect arch. “Patches of Blue'' has such a strong vibe…you will feel like you are swept away and swimming through the music. Almost ethereal, “Patches of Blue” is an extremely engaging song.
About The Mood Kings
The perfect tagline to describe the music of The Mood Kings, it would go something like: “an appealing blend of the Americana roots-rock sound with strong melodic sensibilities”. However, if you asked The Mood Kings to describe their music, they would say throw the entire rock catalog from the late 60s through late 80s in a 9x11 pan, add generous helpings of Dylan, Waits, and Petty. Bake at NIN degrees for 45 min. Take out, top off with Sly and Prince. Cut into Andre the Giant portions. Garnish with Springsteen. Pairs nicely with a Sanford and Son marathon. Also good reheated.
Their debut album “The Wonder of It All” will be released June 15th. This collection documents the journey of Mark Schwarze (drums), Herman Ospina (guitar/vocals) and Joey Townsend (bass/vocals) as they played in several bands, building families, fighting addictions, reveling in subsequent recoveries, and building connections in all areas of life. These experiences led to songs that tell the stories of lives lived with regret, purpose, resilience, and vigor.
Fours years ago, when they walked off the stage of their 25th year reunion show of the band they started in their teens, Schwarze, Ospina, and Townsend looked at each other and contemplated why it took so long to play music together again. This “one night only” reunion led to 3 long-time friends reconnecting in a way that was unplanned and unexpected. Starting out simply as “catching up”, it quickly turned into conversations of music, songs, and artists they now loved, and a surprising realization they were all in similar places in their lives. It didn’t take long for a guitar to come out, a melody to be sung, and a song to be created. Their goal: to enjoy playing music together again. As the friendships were reborn, so were the jam sessions that turned into songwriting weekends. Before they knew it, they had some new songs. And a new band... The Mood Kings.
Working as a trio in the writing and recording process, the band fills out their unique sound with additional musicians in the live arena. Eschewing traditional labels of their music, they have also made conscious efforts to play small theatres, festivals, and performing arts venues that attract fans that come for the music. “We are interested in our audience, and we want them to be interested in us”, says Schwarze. “Our hope is that we make connections with our music.”
For more information about The Mood Kind, visit their website
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