Chris Patrick Makes The Most of Second Chances on X-Files
In a time of record-high rates of music consumption and short-lived attention spans, can any modern album stand as a "classic?" It's likely the most challenging crown to receive on a body of work in the past few years, as full-length albums naturally decrease in replayability. Albeit everyone has the right to label personal classics, there seems to be an agreed-upon standard. The constitutes are more than just a batch of good songs thrown together. Crafting a timeless album is an art form in itself. Simultaneous evolution of both artist and listener in the most refreshing and comfortable processes possible. No skips. When fans listen, they know the album will be in rotation forever. When I listen to Chris Patrick's X-Files, I know this will be in rotation forever. A classic? Only time and fans will tell, but those feelings are present; feelings missing elsewhere. A raw display of trials and tribulations. Making the most of second chances. Discovering more about himself alongside his family, friends, and fans. Taking in the beauty of how far he's come, and how much farther the journey will take him. X-Files checks boxes on all levels of musicality, narration, and emotion.
Fourteen tracks and no fillers. Every song contributes a different message and piece of Patrick's heart in alignment with the concept. Track one, "Ground Zero," pursuit of happiness in its purest form, inviting listeners into his mental angst and walking us out with his arm around our shoulder. Track two, "Gang Activity," is still an absolute masterpiece. Track three, "Snakes," is reserved for the people who've wronged him in a hard-hitting and direct atmosphere. Track five, "Changes," sees the undefeated duo of Patrick and fellow CXR member Noah do what they do best as Chris delivers top-notch lyricism and storytelling, passing the brush to Noah to complete the painting. "Last Time" is a sleek duet with Billy Blunt's guitar that portrays a story of goodbyes and broken hearts. Track eight, "Useless," is an incredibly powerful song attached to feelings many people encounter on any given day, sharing a vulnerability as a remedial. "Staircases" takes us through life and death, a neverending cycle of pain and healing, indirectly proposing the question of how much weight a person can carry. "Oasis" grasps another side of Chris Patrick's talents in a soulful venture that feels freeing of all cynical reflections, offering figurative and literal coping mechanisms. "Fly Away," the track that will catch many off guard, extracts even more versatility in the art for a catchy, electronic dance track that effectively plays the role of B-Side to "Oasis." Track twelve, "Oakland Interlude," is a stunning two-piece song that asks a love interest for transparency, later noting habits of dropping his guard and offering vulnerability (a rare occasion) when he's around this person. "Scared" see Patrick living in fear of his own problems and portrayals while asking for acceptance and forgiveness. The outro, "Rooftops," featuring Dende, is a full-circle moment for Patrick as he recalls his lowest lows while living some of his highest highs. A new beginning for life's beauty paired with a reassurance that no pain lasts forever.
Chris Patrick's trials and tribulations continue leading him to discover the beauty in life and an openness to share with the world. His narrative pulls us in, with every new detail of emotion or thought bringing new discoveries to ourselves. Fourteen tracks. no fillers. Stream X-Files below.