On 'One Town Over', G.F. Patrick establishes himself on his debut release as a songwriter of note. It draws comparisons tonally and lyrically with Steve Earle's early work such as 'Exit 0' and 'Guitar Town'. However, comparison aside, Patrick is a strong songwriter in his own right.
Songs such as ‘Trucker’s Song’ explore loneliness, ‘Mud’, about the loss of dreams, and ‘Till The Day We Die’ follows its character through the loneliness of a struggle with mental health issues.
© Gina Fitzpatrick
The fictional tale of ‘James McGovern’ is the standout song in the collection. Dealing with the human cost of the coal mining industry, it focuses on a family who gave their lives to mining and the resulting losses they suffered.
Other highlights include the murder ballad ‘Anger of Magdalene’ where Patrick swaps the usual male-centric led tale to one from a female perspective, sensitively tackling difficult subjects such as depression, addiction, and domestic abuse. ‘Like Father’ and ‘Blood on the Bottle’ are also stand out songs that show empathy in Patrick’s songwriting on contemporary issues.
‘One Town Over’ is very much an album for today. Patrick’s songs and characters capture the blue-collar/working-class life that has come to the fore in recent months. Now redesignated as key workers and with governments encouraging applause and cheers, ultimately their day to day struggles are largely ignored. It’s up to songwriters like Patrick to speak for them.