The MANIFEST

"On his latest album with his latest band, Patrick Molloy and The Manifest's Who Will Listen? is bold, italicized, and even underlined. He is clearly shooting for the moon on this one, channelling the progressive power rock of Rush a la Vapor Trails, with an Ozzie Osbourne-like wail that sounds surprisingly fresh against today's trendy pop-oriented music industry - and daring. This album manages to reflect the smorgasbord of the tastes and styles you'll hear from so many of the local bands here in St. John's, from the progressive hard rock of The Pathological Lovers to the more punchy new-wave of The Subtitles." - NXEW - Dashiell Brown

Patrick Molloy and the Manifest's Who Will Listen? is an eclectic mix of 1960's grooves, psychedelic prog-rock, atmospheric ballads and homage's to the early 1990's alternative scene. Produced by famed Canadian recording guru Krisjan Leslie (Billy Talent, Our Lady Peace, Duran Duran), the diversity of sound threatens to spin out of control, but is ultimately held together thematically by Molloy's lyrics which lash out against the political unrest of today and offer a glimmer of hope somewhere just around the corner.
- The Current magazine - Jonny Hodder

Why should one consider it this album respectable? Well, it's clear that it isn't mere revival music, as the band tries to be all that it aspires. They pursue other musical directions, such as the brit pop of Muse, and grunge, in the vein of Soundgarden, in the process of crafting a unique sound. Though, it's more so a sigh of relief, one must also respect Molloy for the minimal use of production, in altering his vocals; hell, if anything, it just gives them a rawer, folkier feel, which is partially what they seemed to be going for. - Hearwax Media - Vuk Varicak

After listening to the album in full, one can't help but feel a bit happy, soulful, and truly invested in the spirit of the music. Patrick Molloy and the Manifest have lodged a solid first entry into what is sure to be an expansive and productive catalogue to come. - Nicholas Morine - www.nicholasmorine.com

The epitome of the evolving musician, Patrick Molloy has made his way from soloist to leading man with Patrick Molloy and The Manifest, continuing their own evolution since releasing their debut Who Will Listen? - The Telegram - Ashley Fitzpatrick

"This is a Gutsy album. Patrick Molloy finds his own way, follows his own muse and in his wake leaves a treasure trove of new songs that lift the heart and ignite the imagination. He asks the musical question "Who Will Listen?" to which I reply; "Everyone Should!" - CHMR FM - Terry Parsons

For me this album found a song for any kind of mood I could be in, whether I'm feeling chill or a little more upbeat, there's something on there to satisfy the music monster in my brain. He ate it up! It's the kind of music that gets stuck in your head, but in the best way possible. I found myself on a couple of occasions singing and dancing out loud -in public- to the beat in my head that was The Manifest. - Shaunaa Waterman - Freelance Journalist

Songwriter's circles are held often enough around this musical city of ours enough to be not exactly noteworthy. That’s why it is oh-so-smart of Patrick Molloy to add an illusionist, a comedian and visual artists to hi nicely named “Raw Refrains”.

“I’ve always wanted to do a songwriters showcase”, says Molloy. “It gives me an excuse to work with people who inspire me and still promote local talent”. Patrick is a local talent himself, having recently released his first record..

He states a “real lack of musical appreciation here”, as another reason for beginning this event. He clarifies that people locally do indeed love music more than any other place he’s been, but there isn’t as much interest or appreciation for original music as he’d like. “I think original artists aren’t appreciated enough because they aren’t the `diddly diddly` or the `boom boom boom`. The ‘cover’ scene is huge in any city. That’s where the money is, but original artists are struggling, just scraping by. “I want to bring appreciation back”.

The name Raw Refrains has some real meaning, notes Molloy. “The Stripped down acoustic show with vocals is very raw; it’s vulnerable without being drowned by a backing band. Any art form showcased at either session is raw because of the atmosphere it is engulfed in. Refrains, of course, refers to a repeating line or chorus in a song, but can also be symbolic or an artist’s plea to simply be appreciated through the recurring themes of their respective works.” Held on Saturday, December 8th, on the Nouvelle Orleans, this Raw Refrains is Molloy’s third. The first featured Jill Porter and Trevor Bennett and the second, Ian Foster and Blair Harvey. This one will showcase musical stars Liz Solo, Neil Conway and Chris Kirby.

Then there’s actor turned illusionist James Hawksley. “I thought he was just going to be another card trick guy, but he did some real freaky shit that I’ve never seen anybody do,” says Molloy grinning. Funnyman Pat Dempsey will perform some hilarious stand-up comedy, and visual artists including Julia Von Rhedey, Catherine Marshall, Mark Hearn, Kate Dyke and Chris Darroch Biggs will show off their wares.

“It’s a nice display of the versatility of the scene here….I think there’s room to push and get everyone’s name out there; make it an event more than just a gig, “says Molloy.

Molloy says his previous Raw Refrains have been ‘amazing’. While turn out could always be higher, of his very first event, “25 came, and 25 stayed. I think that’s a very good sign.”

He explains that the joy of a songwriter’s circle lies in the discussion. “Why (the musicians) wrote what they did. Some really touchy subjects always come up….With a regular gig, you wouldn’t know what the song is about. I like to dig deep and find out what’s behind a song….Music can be deceiving. It can have an upbeat tempo, but unless you really actively listen, you don’t really connect with what the person is trying to say.” Raw Refrains opens at 10PM. Tickets available at 95 Bonaventure Avenue and Newfoundland Drive Esso and are $10 each. Molloy encourages the interested to check out www.patrickmolloy.ca for updates, track him down on Facebook or call 746-4184
- The Current

Calgary Based, Alternative Roots Master, Patrick Molloy is finishing up his debut album and local music fans can check out the results march 23 at the Urban Room Bistro.

Showtime is at 8:30PM. Choices Decide, currently in progress, promises to be very musically moody. “I have been working really hard with some very talented artists who have been a huge inspiration to me”, he explains. “Jay Coda Walker has taken me in to this studio and allowed me to explore the sound that I am looking for.” The once bare acoustic tracks that I had have grown into a very organic and dynamic sound.” Kaley Kinjo of the Plaid Tongued Devils is also lending his talents to the disc. “He is the essence of funk, and is laying down a fat groove to all of the songs.” Molloy anticipates a July release.

Originally from Newfoundland, passion for music was always a big part of life. However, a desire to create his own music was not immediately sparked - Molloy started to dabble with guitar a year following high-school graduation. He then, headed to Northern Canada after a year of University studies, to work and figure out a new direction in his life. Then, the art of crafting tunes finally captured his heart.

Theses days a range of influences pop into his music from acoustic, laid back pop to rock, folk and a touch of psychedelic.

A relative newcomer to Calgary (Molloy moved last year) he is attempting to penetrate a diverse music scene. “The musical journey is a beautiful path as long as you stay grounded and realize why you are doing it in the first place”, Molloy says. “Since I have been so busy with recording, I have not been pushing gigs. “I sometimes feel like I am neglecting my performance chops, but is a good time to reflect and work on some new material as well,” he adds.

“So I am embracing every challenge and letting my passion do the work.” “What keeps me most inspired is that music will never fade, and my music will continue to grow and spread until my days end,” Molloy says humbly. “After four years of gigging I have seen many results and I am very proud of where I am musically.” Check out Patrick’s official web-site at www.patrickmoloy.ca.
- The Red Deer Express

Patrick Molloy — “Release Me”

From Choices Decide (2007)
Newfoundland
www.patrickmolloy.ca

Paul Warford: This is a really cool track. It has a persistent guitar riff that makes you feel like you’re rebelling against something. The instrumentation is varied and inventive, particularly its use of winds as the song moves along. The vocals work as well, and have a distinct whispery quality to them. The only thing that’s missing is a bridge. There’s no set-in-stone rule that dictates the need for one in every rock song, of course, but this track begins to feel more like a mantra after each listen. It demands your attention. Its repetitiveness may cause you to avert your eyes. Which would be a shame.

Sarah Hoyles: Where was this song when I was in grade seven, a skinny white chick decked out in an oversized flannel shirt and combat boots, listening to Nirvana and lamenting about how tough life is for a suburban kid. “My parents don’t get me. No one gets me.” Well, until now.

Geoff Younghusband: Industrial pop that goes nowhere. This is a one riff rope trick that begs to be untied but is never released from its mechanically-wound coils. It does show some promise in its atmospheric extras—a phased, metallic, muted guitar rhythm; an almost woodwind sounding keyboard… Too bad it never goes where the wind wants to take it. Perhaps that’s supposed to be the point.

- The Scope

'We may be on to something here' -Raw Refrains offers homey forum for local artists

SEAN RIDGELEY
Special to The Telegram

Pretty new to the music culture, as an artist anyway, Patrick Molloy will be putting off his fifth event in his series of "artistry showcases" he is calling "Raw Refrains." It's basically a chance for several different types of artists to get together (tonight, you'll be able to see music, visual art and belly dancing) and display their art to the local community. Each of the past events has offered something unique.

"For the first one I invited Jill Porter and Trevor Bennett," Molloy explains. "I asked them to dig a little deeper than usual to explain to the audience where the inspiration came from to write the songs they sung. It was an emotional night and stories came up of tragic events within people's families and you could totally feel the energy exchange between the audience and the artists. That being said, it was not a downer night at all. It felt like stand up comedy for the rest of the night as we all exchanged stories and influences and songwriting techniques."

After that, he knew "Refrains" was something that was going to work, and immediately booked a second event. That one was similar, but Molloy felt he could do even more to make things special. For No. 3, he booked musicians, visual artists, an illusionist and a comedian. Oh, and it took place on a boat.

Good response

"That one received the biggest response, for sure," he says. "So many people approached me to thank me for putting off such a diverse array of art, telling me it would be successful since nobody else is doing this. It attracts such a diverse group of people and I feel I am really building a network of amazing artists and fans. I have noticed a loyal following starting to come back to each show, because they know they won't be disappointed."

Visual artist Nicole Button (previously an exhibitor at The Rooms and also with the Community Youth Arts Program) will be one of the presenters, displaying a few pieces she says will be a mix of acrylic paintings, oil paintings, clay sculpture and one faux stained-glass piece which was actually done on an old wardrobe door.

The clay sculpture is her first endeavour of the sort and, she says, her favourite piece. It is a woman emerging from the mound of clay which is shaped like a tree trunk, peeling the layers of flesh and foliage off herself to find herself with one arm half-missing.

Button says works like this fit in with the city's arts scene because it's a place "absolutely steeped in culture," which relates to why they're also a perfect fit for the show itself.

"Our culture just happens to be made up of music, art in all its forms and the beauty of nature and human interaction, so where else would benefit as much from an event that showcases all of the above so completely?" she asks.

"Speaking with Patrick just a few days ago, he informed me the next few Raw Refrains shows will encompass short films as well. So you have an event that brings like-minded people together through the love of art, sets a forum for creative discussions, and gives the artists a chance to potentially sell some work. And it happens on a regular basis. I think we may be on to something here."

Check out "Raw Refrains No. 5," tonight at the Ship, 9:30 p.m., for $5. Kalem Mahoney (of the Monday Nights and formerly Gearbox), Melanie O'Brien, Alison Rideout, Steve Thorne and Rita Broderick will also be presenting and performing. - The Telegram

Patrick Molloy
Choices Decide (2007)
Independent
Rock

By Angie Barrington

Patrick Molloy is an up and coming musician out of St. Shott’s, NL whose songs were already stuck in my head after only a few listens of his six-track debut CD.

Although the disc is categorized as heavy folk, it sounds a little like the Tea Party sounded like in the mid-90s.

The sound is a bit haunting, but hardly creepy. I am not reminded of the dark days of popular music when it was cool to dress in black and discuss death as a trend, but more of the sound that has stood the test of time as classic music of the period.

There is an obvious melody, which is delivered via a heavy guitar line. These riffs create hooks that pop up as a silent soundtrack during activities. They seem to match your footsteps as you walk to class.

Although the addictiveness of the music is a positive thing, it tends to dwarf the lyrics. It is hard to get beyond the monophonic style of songs like “Release Me” and “This Disease” to hear the words being sung in conjunction with the music.

The darkness continues both with “Choices Decide,” a song with a slight Spanish flavour and some twang, and with “Freedom From Your Wings.”

Things start to slow down with the fourth track, “Dollar Signs,” which is the kind of mid-tempo song to get the crowd going in a bar before the show starts or during the break.

There is just enough of a hook to hold the listener’s attention while allowing them to get a drink or find their friends in the crowd and still create a sense of excitement and interest in the rest of the live set.

Molloy has a pleasant voice. It's strong and at times soothing and gentle. It is the kind of voice that should be recorded to remind us how individual voices can be recognizable instead of shoddy replications of someone else.

The best song on the disc, “Dear Penpal,” is saved for last. It sounds similar to the first song, but is just sophisticated enough to emphasize Molloy's potential as a musician.

I’m just waiting for the LP.
- The Muse