With a sound that feels like it borrows from the early 1950s rock and roll of Richie Valens, or Buddy Holly, mixed with early 90s alt rock, ‘Useless Love’ from Patty & The Oh’s is certainly unique for a song released in 2022.
The Rock and Roll band, out of Alabama and Seattle Washington (another unique blend) make it as their stock in trade to combine many eras and styles, and ‘Useless Love’ definitely does the trick, being both addictive and compelling.
The recurring melody is rendered by Taylor Carroll on the Stylophone, an instrument that was initially seen as merely a kids’ toy, until it was taken up by the likes of David Bowie, Kraftwerk, and John Lennon. The instrumental waves in and out, giving a slightly tinny vibe to the track, and further emphasising the 50s sound.
Vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Patrick Weatherly exhibits a wry wit tinged with a signature darkness, disguised by a jaunty crooning style. It would be easy enough to get lost in the upbeat instrumentals and miss the deeper message behind the lyrics; except that you know by the title that there’s much more to the song that meets the ear.
Patty & The Oh’s owe in part a lot to the regional origins of the group members. Patrick Weatherly is originally from Alabama, and over the past decade has also lived in New England, Nashville, rural Oregon, and Seattle – where the rest of the band are from. All their music is recorded and produced, by Taylor Carroll, in Seattle.
Patty & The Oh’s comprises Patty & The Oh’s is made up of Patrick Weatherly, Dune Butler, William Mapp, Charles Wicklander, Taylor Carroll, and Ashley Weatherly.
‘Useless Love’ is one of three songs, in addition to ‘New Flavor Of Gum’ and ‘Societal Collapse Doo Wop’, released ahead of their forthcoming long player, ‘Out Of Everything’, set for release on March 3 this year.
Stream and download ‘Useless Love’ on Spotify, and Bandcamp.
Find out more about Patty & The Oh’s and their music online on their official website, Instagram, Spotify, Bandcamp, and SoundCloud.
