The surprise collaboration between The Avett Brothers and Mike Patton, vocalist of Faith No More, called AVTT/PTTN finds both acts stepping out of their comfort zones to merge two seemingly disparate musical worlds into a unique and compelling third entity.
The project grew out of what they call a mutual admiration society for each other’s work. Even though the artists never met in person while recording the album it’s an intense example of what is known as “desert noir” with the Avett’s signature harmonies and introspective lyrics blending with Patton’s brooding baritone.
Some of the songs lean toward the acoustic sound Avett Brothers fans are used to while others feature post punk guitars and heavy vocal theatrics. It’s a daring and adventurous experiment that yields a genuinely powerful result.
Patton has always been a musical chameleon, working with artists like Bjork and Laurie Anderson and the Avett Brothers have shown their openness to new ideas so it’s not surprising that this partnership works. It is, at times, uncomfortable but it’s some of the most honest music either act has ever made.