Pattern Addict — 15 January 2020 on Rocket Shop Radio Hour

Pattern Addict joined host Tom Proctor on ‘Rocket Shop‘, Big Heavy World’s weekly local Vermont music radio hour on 105.9FM The Radiator. Catch up with them at facebook.com/PatternAddict.

Pattern Addict brought their indie alternative rock tunes into Rocketshop on Wednesday, January 15th. Featuring drummer Dan Wagner, bassist Eden Forbes, and rhythm guitarist Liam Manion, the band drew us in with their new single titled “One Eye Open.” The song began with some soft humming by Eden and Liam, but it rapidly progressed, developing a quick and catchy beat. Liam’s raspy, rich vocals were not only original in sound, but in range, overlapped by the smooth, almost airier voice of Eden. Together, the two created a harmonial balance that carried the song along as it gained momentum. Lyrics like, “Say what you want, he’s not a man” and “Your gravity’s killing me, taking it all out of me”  depict the anxiety one faces when falling out of love and the anger that bubbles when one is replaced by another partner. 

With two members of Pattern Addict absent, (Liam Quinlan, lead guitarist, and Creede Burton, keyboardist)  the band claims that it was an unusual experience to play with only the three of them present. Hailing from Burlington, Vermont, the five young men met in elementary school. Now sophomores and juniors at universities across the U.S., with Liam and Eden at Vassar College, they schedule shows during school breaks and summer, while simultaneously communicating their ideas throughout the year. Being apart gives them a chance to create and write independently - what they believe keeps the band so fresh the moment they reunite. “We’re all bringing our own element which I think is what makes us unique,” stated Manion. When Pattern Addict plays live, you can always expect a different show, as the band revamps old songs with new content, and consistently writes songs every couple of weeks. 

The second song, “Foreign Artifacts” slowed things down a bit, showcasing Liam’s vocals in a raw and real light. This was particularly notable for its emotional pull in the lyrics: “You can’t think about the way you fell before” and the mention of “the color hallelujah.” The broken down acoustic throughout this tune was especially exposing, relaying the automatic authentic feel of the band. When inquired by host Tom Proctor about their musical influences, Pattern Addict agreed with being inspired by “mid 2000s English vibes” akin to Coldplay. As for their lyrics? Liam clarified, “I believe that poetry stems from honesty...I tried to be more honest and get more specific with this album. I thought about what I was going for and tried to communicate that.” 

Pattern Addict wrapped up the show with a dreamier melody, “Over the Moon,” allowing us to hear more of Eden’s voice. This song rang out like a lullaby, memorable for the sadness in the words, “I’m over the moon and that’s all I can say with the disjointed sense that I’ll see you soon.” Dan’s snare drum cut in with a deep boom to create a dramatic conclusion to this enjoyable number.

Pattern Addict performed Friday 1/17 at Higher Ground and opened with Isaac French for Troy Millette. Their complete second album will be released at the end of the year and it’s “louder, funkier, and crazier” than the previous. For now, listen to the band’s single “One Eye Open,” available on Spotify and all streaming services. Find them and stay updated with their events through their Facebook page or shoot them a follow on Instagram. We can’t wait to see what Pattern Addict has in store.

Text by Gianna Seaver

Photo by James Lockridge.