Patrick Lawrence is a Brisbane, Australia-based indie folk singer songwriter who has just come to my attention thanks to the release of his new six-track EP. Reflecting on the themes of self-realisation, love, loss and enjoying the moment, it’s called Nostalgic for Now.

By Graeme Smith

This EP has been a long time coming, with Patrick’s last EP release coming in 2008. In the interval, Patrick has been studying medicine and is a doctor alongside being a musician. His sound is influenced by the likes of Gregory Alan Isakov, Donovan Woods and John Mayer, as well as his own life experiences which come out through this collection, warts and all.

Nostalgic For Now opens with Toaster Song. Immediately we get the raw vulnerability of Patrick’s music but what I found most captivating was the storytelling of his lyrics. Mixing the profound with the surreal, I found myself hanging on every word through the first verse. We then arrived at a soaring chorus where he leaves everything out there. It’s a strong start.

Forever Home casts the doubt aside with a love ballad that Patrick wrote for his wedding. It is a suitably gentle number with a compelling warmth to it. Half Life is a ponderous story where Patrick dwells on the impact his career has been having on him and his mental health. The way he opens up gives it a strong sense of authenticity, and it’s a mid-EP highlight.

An Empty Room marks the EP’s emotional low-point, reflecting on the loss of Patrick and his wife’s child through miscarriage. He doesn’t hold back from the detail, making it a relatable and heart-rendering journey. Joy in the Journey brightens things with a livelier number that encourages the listener to live in the moment. These Are the Good Old Days closes the EP with a slow-burning and nostalgic finale. Its stripped-back style amplifies Patrick’s characterful vocals. It’s a final highlight.

You can give Nostalgic for Now a listen below.