Patient Patient urgently embraces mood, emotion

  • By Sharon Wootton / Special to The Herald
  • Thursday, November 2, 2006 9:00pm
  • LifeGo-See-Do

Patient Patient has one of the more interesting anti-bios on its My Space Web site.

The rock band – three musicians born and raised in Everett (guitarist Eric Fast, bassist Kevin Dorn, vocalist and guitarist Neal Burton) and drummer Tyler Martin – performs Saturday in Everett.

“We are discontented with the state of our existence, unsatisfied with our lots in life, unhappy with the state of the world,” the anti-bio says.

The self-described disenchanted 21- and 22-year-olds are caught between the arrogance to think that music will save the world and the cynical position that it won’t, according to the site.

“We want to make money so that we can afford to hate money.”

Mostly, they just want to be heard.

Dorn and Burton have been friends since middle school, eventually writing and playing music together, and playing under different band names.

Patient Patient is only a couple of years old with a new take on the music of old friends, Burton said. But practicing and performing hasn’t been an easy go because Burton was also following his own drummer.

“I came out of high school doing a lot of pop music and ended up studying classical singing,” he said. “I was in school for opera and art songs in Boston.

“Around 17, I heard that a lot of rock singers were classically trained and that’s why their voices are so powerful. I really wanted to have that support behind my singing.

“I’m also interested in understanding melody and harmony. I spend a lot of time now just learning jazz standards on the piano and getting familiar with old songs,” Burton said, seeing what works and applying it to his songwriting.

Last spring, everyone recommitted to the band. Burton was back and they started doing more shows, developing a fan base and getting some radio play.

Burton, now a creative writing major at the University of Washington, and Fast are the songwriting force: Fast writing guitar parts, Burton the lyrics, and both working on harmonies and melodies.

The band is influenced by British rock bands and the edgier indie bands “that have a melodic and listener-friendly sound but with an edge on it,” Burton said.

Take the band’s name, Patient Patient, in an imperative form, Burton said.

“It implies a certain sense of moodiness and anxiety in place in our music and the personalities of our members,” he said.

Patient Patient’s music embraces emotions.

“A lot of bands have that dark, moody, melancholy sound that really inspired us. … For us, it’s not a matter of representing this darker mood as it is representing whatever is real in our lives, how we see the world and things going on in it.

7 p.m. Saturday, The House, 2818 Wetmore Ave., Everett. All ages, $5.

“One song might be about death but might be a mood about death that’s deeply saddening; another song might be about death but represents something hopeful like the rebirth side of death,” Burton said.

“We don’t write a lot of concept songs. We just write things that deal with real experience or real emotions that we’ve seen or experienced ourselves.”

At the end of a show, the audience heads home.

“I hope, on a certain level, that people are affected by our music in the way you are affected by walking down the street and surprised by something you don’t usually see or hear, maybe something tragic or beautiful or interesting.

“Something that stops you and takes you outside yourself and makes you think about something beside your daily experience,” Burton said.

A little patience might just be rewarded.

Patient Patient performs Saturday in Everett.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

IONIQ 6 side-view photo provided by Hyundai Newsroom
2025 Hyundai IONIQ 6 Electric Range Increases To 342 Miles

Stylish, Sleek Exterior Adds To Appeal And Aerodynamics

The 2025 Kia K4 compact sedan (Provided by Kia).
2025 Kia K4 delivers a new choice in affordable compact sedans

The recent arrival offers bold design, a spacious cabin, and lots of tech.

David Austin English Roses (Image from Sunnyside Nursery website).
Where greenery thrives: The most delightful nurseries in Snohomish County

Looking to add life to your space? These nurseries have just what you need!

The previous Volvo XC Recharge is now the 2025 Volvo EX40 (Provided by Volvo).
2025 Volvo EX40 is the new XC Recharge

The compact SUV is still electric and still resplendent.

Work And Play With Confidence. Photo Provided by Chevy Newsroom.
2025 Chevy Silverado 1500 Turbo-Diesel Delivers 25 MPG

ZR2 4WD Package Adds Off-Road Weekend Versatility

(Image from pexels.com)
Find your flow: The most inspiring yoga studios in Snohomish County

Looking for a place to stretch, strengthen, and find your zen? Herald readers have you covered.

Relax Mind & Body Massage (Photo provided by Sharon Ingrum)
Unwind, relax, and recharge at these top massage spots

Need a break? Discover where to find the most soothing and rejuvenating massages in Snhomish County

(Image from the website).
Finding comfort and care: Top assisted living communities in Snohomish County

Which assisted living communities offer the best care and quality of life? Let’s find out.

Since 1957, Sherwood Community Services has been a place where people with disabilities have the opportunity to live full, independent lives as part of their community.
The top three local nonprofits making a real impact in our community

Which local organizations are leading the way in impact and service? Let’s find out.

2025 Toyota GR Corolla four-door hatchback sports car (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota GR Corolla available with an automatic transmission

For the first two years, a six-speed manual was its only gearbox.

Whidbey Clay Center instructor Jordan Jones demonstrates shaping a lump of clay into a gumdrop shape and centering the hole during her class at the Whidbey Clay Center in Freeland. Centering the holes is an important first step to turn clumps of mud into art, whether it be a mug, bowl, spoon rest, dragon, wagon or farm animal. (Patricia Guthrie / Special to The Herald)
Whidbey Island clay artists mucking in mud more than ever

Instructor to class: “Clay is very humbling. But you can remake it. It’s just mud. We’re just having fun.”

Photo provided by Mercedes-Benz USA Online Newsroom
2024 Mercedes GLC 43 Offers Luxury, Style And Performance

On- Or Off-Road, This Versatile Coupe Excels

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.