Jas Patrick - Inky Ovine (Self-Released)

An artist from Nashville, TN, Jas Patrick’s style is fiercely independent; something that is immediately clear on his new release, Inky Ovine. An EP in the making since 2012, it began with resultant frustrations from a limited studio budget on his previous release, Tributaries. Over the next few years, he slowly built a home studio, determined to have a more organic process; and the becomingly intimate, homespun feel of Inky Ovine proves that this was the perfect move to grow and nurture his sound. Every instrument for the most part recorded by Patrick, and you can hear the sense of pride and attention to detail everywhere on this record.

The EP itself feels like a multinational tribute to Americana and British rock, from the pure, soulful blues of “Harpy,” to the Beatlesque “Little Bug.” Reminiscent of *Stevie Windwood,” Patrick’s voice is incredibly emotive, and feels wise and aged far beyond his years, bringing an air of experience and truth to the jangly “Party Line,” and the synth driven “Didn’t Ask.” There isn’t a single unified style over the course of the EP, but it’s his personality that brings everything together. Inky Ovine is as wonderfully inspired and individual as any other record this year is likely to produce.