Review: Dan Patlansky 'Shelter of Bones'

Dan Patlansky

By Mike O’Cull

Award-winning South African blues/rocker Dan Patlansky throws down on the international level all over his new album Shelter of Bones. The record busts out February 25th, 2022 thanks to Virgin Music Label and Artist Services and brings us Patlansky at the top of his guitar-and-vocal form. The set was conceived, written, and tracked over the last three years and made positive use of the enforced lockdowns caused by Covid-19. “The pandemic allowed me to take my time, and really think about how I want the songs to come across,” Patlansky said. That extra time is absolutely audible on each of these new songs. Dan also produced the album on his own and this allowed him to make Shelter of Bones even deeper and more personal. He’s a stunning guitarist and an engaging singer and lyricist who deserves to break out big-time in 2022.

Patlansky has been making waves in the global music community since dropping his debut effort Standing at the Station two decades ago. He has put out a steady stream of high-level guitar music since then, creating a body of work that takes in electric blues, acoustic blues, and straight-up rock and roll. He has appeared live with Bruce Springsteen, Joe Satriani, King King, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Walter Trout, and Everlast, been nominated for and won numerous awards, and built a solid reputation as one of the most happening guitarists working today. He’s a ripping player who is also a gifted songwriter, which makes any new release by Patlansky an occasion to celebrate.

Shelter of Bones opens with the melodic blues/rock of “Soul Parasite.” The track is built around a jumbo-sized Zeppelin-style riff but chugs its way to a sweet and radio-ready chorus hook. Patlansky burns the frets off of his guitar as expected but his lyrics also deal with the soul-crushing political leaders in charge of our modern world. He’s an intelligent writer with much to say and isn’t afraid to speak his piece directly rather than hiding it beneath escapist, bar-band bliss. Right away, you know this record is about to light you up.

“Snake Oil City” is a swinging, minor key blues inspired by the current social environment in Patlansky’s home country. “It currently feels like there is very little law and order, tax money is being pocketed, corruption is rife, and if you have enough money, you can basically get away with any crime imaginable,” he related. Patlansky’s guitar work here is as ferocious as his lyrics and makes the song one of the record’s many inspiring moments.

“Lost” is a heartfelt and vulnerable ballad born of a time when Patlansky’s wife Gisela had serious, potentially life-changing health issues. It’s a delicate and honest song that truly communicates the stress of a difficult diagnosis and the emotions that come with it. DP’s vocals and guitar playing are tender and true, leaving zero doubt as to how he processed this situation. Thankfully, things worked out well in the end for Gisela and for all of us, as we get to experience this amazing song.

The first single “Hounds Loose” from Shelter of Bones is a dynamic retelling of the Robert Johnson soul-selling tale. It’s much more of a rock song than any kind of traditional blues, however, and is quite progressive when seen through the filter of roots music. It’s an excellent cut that shows us yet another of Patlansky’s creative facets. His guitar tone here is especially juicy and gets deployed for maximum effect. Other peak moments on Shelter of Bones include “Devil’s Dopamine,” “Presence,” and the title track Patlansky uses to close the record. Dan Patlansky is a major talent with his own take on the guitar styles that keep our spirits alive. Run him through your headphones and let him elevate yours. Highly recommended.

Watch “Hounds Loose”