There’s just something about Pat McCay‘s voice that gives us all the feels! We’ve been fans since way back when he was in a band called Two Minute Puzzle in 2010, watching him live at intimate gigs at small venues in the Cape Town CBD, such as the Waiting Room and slightly larger ones such as Flamjangled Tea Party and Daisies.

Pat strives to make music that speaks to the heart. As a musician, he is charming and entertaining, with a well-developed affinity for operating in joy and vulnerability in quick succession.

We were beyond thrilled to hear that Pat is back with a new album, Ready. The Capetonian singer-songwriter has re-established himself in the South African music industry with a fresh lease on life after experiencing a seismic shift in his personal journey. 

All the old feels came back when listening to Ready”, his voice once again astounding the ears and lyrics fuelled by renewed dreams and an ineffable depth of feeling. The single speaks of transformation and stepping out of one’s comfort zone in order to grow.

“It Was” is one of those feel-good songs, that as soon as it begins, you want to get up and dance around like Kevin Bacon in Footloose. Likely our favourite one on the album.

“For You” is a little more mellow, with melodic acoustic sounds and has a sit-around-the fire and click along kind of melody.

“Shape-Shifting”, “Father” and “Son” are more on the personal side, and lend to changes and a new road in Pat’s life. “Father”, though it has deep lyrics, also has an upbeat tempo and melody that makes you want to stomp your feet and skip around on a festival floor. “Shape-Shifting” talks of sobriety and grace of women, keeping him sound.

“Great” features some of the loves in his life and showcases his gratitude for them beautifully with his folksy, soothing, dreamy sound that we know and love.

All in all a catchy album that shows that he has gone through a lot over the past few years but come out stronger on the other side. Making it very relatable, raw and honest.

“We live in a world that pushes the unattainable notion of perfection, and many of us live under the illusion that we will pursue our dreams one day, when all the stars align. Ready vocalises the idea that we will never truly be ready to take those first uncomfortable steps towards our destiny if we don’t start seeing failure as feedback. We need to realise that failing is not only okay, it’s absolutely necessary for growth. In this way, understanding that we’re never quite ready actually readies us all the more to move towards the journey we wish to take,” Pat explains. 

Ready is already play-listed on several SA radio stations but you can take a listen to it HERE.

Categories: Music