ALBUM REVIEW: Patient Sixty-Seven - "Wishful Thinking"
“Patient Sixty-Seven is making a statement and solidifying their place as one of the leaders of the new class of metalcore acts”
by Jesse James Smith
Recently, the music scene has been blessed with a metalcore resurgence. Back in the 2010 era, metalcore bands were EVERYWHERE and that brought some of the biggest acts of 2022. Even though the metalcore genre never truly dies, It does feel like it doesn’t progress, and the last few years there haven’t been truly up and coming or DIY bands that have turned heads. Patient Sixty-Seven has been in the scene since 2016 but really made a name for themselves in 2018. Coming from the land down under, This trio is one of the top up and coming acts that have completely taken the world by storm. Racking millions of streams, they have gained a lot of notoriety in the past few years. Releasing a slew of singles, including a sick package of collabed singles with the band Saving Vice from USA. For Patient Sixty-Seven fans, this is the moment we have all been waiting for, the release of their debut full length album “Wishful Thinking” and the band is not playing around, they are coming out swinging for the fences to be one of the top acts in the scene….. And they are doing it as an unsigned act.
Album Art for “Wishful Thinking”
I got to listen to this chilling and compelling album early before its release and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. Wishful Thinking kicks in with the track “Stay Paranoid ll” and I immediately was pulled in. A tight mix of an ambient airy vibe and catchy melodies, it almost instantly grabs your attention and makes you curious about how the rest of the album is going to sound. Coming from Australia, Metalcore bands have had similar styles that just work, and Patient Sixty-Seven dives headfirst into that classic Aussie metal vibe but really does a good job standing out with their songwriting skills. As “Stay Paranoid ll” ends on a cliffhanger, leaving you wanting more, it transitions to the single “Scattered.” Hard hitting and groovy, there was a reason this was a single. Leading up to the release, the band has really been generous with singles, building as much hype as possible. Each song has elements of emotion filled melodic hardcore and pretty post hardcore. You can really start to hear this blend in “Scattered” because without being overly heavy, the track really makes you feel something. Moving into this album you quickly realize how serious Patient Sixty-Seven are about making this an album to remember.
The guest spots on this album are ridiculous. Really understanding where the genre is heading, they are accompanied by fellow newer powerhouse acts like the collab song with Saving Vice, Julian from Loveless and Joey from VRSTY. But not only are they looking into the current bands that have been making significant strides in the music scene, but they have also Brian from Currents and the almighty post hardcore legend Kellin Quinn. Listening to these tracks, they would be top tier without their guests, but with them just transcends them into the stratosphere. My personal favorite track that includes one of the features is the last track titled “Colours” which features Julian from Loveless. A completely different vibe than the rest of the songs by really dialing the heaviness back and focusing on the impact of emotional melodies and sends this album home and giving that sense of closure.
Wishful Thinking stays consistent and cohesive from start to finish but yet, there is a song for everyone. Showcasing their heavier side with tracks like “Fatebringer” which includes a huge bouncy break from it’s fast paced riffy base. The band really does an amazing job with being heavy without mosh pit starting breakdowns which in 2022 is also a very big way this band sets themselves apart from the status quo. Also at the other end of the spectrum, songs like the closing track I recently talked about “Closure” is the emotion filled sing along song that is a little slower but showcases the musicianship of the band.
Top to bottom, back to front, this album is gold. What is the most impressive part is this is self released. If labels aren't breaking down this band’s door by now, they will be, but in reality I don’t think they need it. Patient Sixty-Seven are truly taking their own path and are pioneering this new wave of metalcore bands. “Wishful Thinking” is a true testament to if you want to be great, write great songs. They are also one of the bands that have taken their social media presence seriously which is how I originally found them. Following the release of this album, they head out on a headlining Australian tour. Coming out swinging like this only means success from here. I wouldn’t be sleeping on Patient Sixty-Seven for much longer if you have been already. Pretty soon, you will have no choice but to know who they are. Listen to this album back to front no skips, you will not regret it. A truly solid 10/10 album.