Trumpeter Swan

Listen for the Clues

Having transplanted to Brooklyn while What Made Milwaukee Famous attempts to decipher what will make them so, Drew Patrizi’s solo debut as Trumpeter Swan licks at the easier edges of WMMF’s pop but with touches of his new city’s sound. The jangled chords and horn flourish of opener “Loose Lips” ingrains itself behind a catchy chorus, while “Acolyte” and “Silent Film (Noir)” carry some of the Walkmen’s dramatic chime, accented by subtle electro beats. WMMFers Jeremy Bruch and John Houston Farmer, plus a host of locals from Jason Chronis to Danny Reisch, join in the motley ensemble Patrizi assembles, which may account for the somewhat scattered offerings, especially beyond what would have been an excellent EP of the first four songs, plus piano ballad “Early Midlife Crisis.” The dark-wave turn of “Eternal Pessimist,” punchy pop of “Fool’s Parade,” and Casio-bleeding Black Heart Procession-ist “Broke the Skin” all feel mismatched.

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This article appears in May 7 • 2010.

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Doug Freeman has been writing for the Austin Chronicle since 2007, covering the arts and music scene in the city. He is originally from Virginia and earned his Masters Degree from the University of Texas. He is also co-editor of The Austin Chronicle Music Anthology, published by UT Press.