Stirring with its assortment of ghostly acoustics and chilling strings, “Patterns In The Badlands” is the latest track from Joel Porter. Originally from North Dakota and now based in Nashville, Porter churns out a moving sound that incorporates ethereal folk and dreamy pop haunts. This track unveils a striking production, whose emotional resonance and cinematic folk appeal reminds fondly of Sufjan Stevens.
The single is described as “about being in the wake and aftermath of our mistakes… but trusting that even after seemingly wasted seasons, hope still exists.” Lyrics haunt in aspiring to find truth in “simple patterns,” with the ensuing rise sending chills as the strings usher in alongside the haunting backing vocal effect. “Carry on, carry on,” Porter continues, reflective of hope-filled aspirations following tumult. “Patterns In The Badlands” is another standout showing from Porter, impressing previously with tracks like “Amaranthine” and “Ready for the Harrow.”
—
This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of May 2023’ Spotify playlist.
The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Folk.
