Amelie Patterson goes acoustic with storytelling new concept EP, Napoleon.

By Graeme Smith

An alternative pop artist based in Western Canada, Amelie first featured on our blog in 2019 through her single The Patient Kind. More recently, she returned in 2023 through her track The War.

Her latest release is an acoustic concept EP entitled Napoleon. The EP’s title track pays homage to her late grandfather, Arthur, and his titular pony. The track touches on topics such as family legacy and adventure through a stripped-back and folksy arrangement in which Amelie’s vocals are soft and compelling.

Sitting alongside Napoleon on the EP is previously released single Armageddon, and acoustic versions of the aforementioned The War and the bittersweet Let Your Trouble Go. The Dissertation closes the record with a slow-burning, spoken word, introspective deviation.

Across all five tracks we get some beautifully vivid storytelling, starting right from the sultry, narrative-rich Armageddon. Its poetry is delivered powerfully through Amelie’s expressive vocals and its emotion is nicely ramped up to its big finish. Each track has the listener hooked while its wider emotional story unfolds.

Amelie has a voice and lyrical prowess to which it’s always a pleasure to return. The acoustic nature of her new EP gives plenty of space to her song writing, all while creating plenty of atmosphere. I’m impressed by the range of styles on display.

Napoleon was produced by Phenix Warren (Armageddon) and Brayden Bell. It was mastered by Dave Horrocks and features the talents of Barry Mason, Carson Gant, Cam Buie, Kyle Tenove and Brayden Bell. The EP is out now on Neon Moon Records. You can give it a listen below.