Toronto's Patrick Fiore is pretty much a one-man band as Noble Oak, handling synth, percussion, bass, and guitar on his blissful, ethereal soundscapes. His latest release is Past Life, a scintillating dreamworld that brings to mind artists like Washed Out, Helios, and Tycho. At times Fiore emerges from his cocoon with fully developed lyrics, delivered in his delicate falsetto, but many of the tracks are largely instrumental. Whether he's singing or not, Fiore's passion is evident in every moment. Explaining the concept behind the album, he says:
"Past Life is a collection of snapshots from the last few years before leaving my hometown, with unreleased material ranging from one to three years in age. It predominantly narrates the person I used to be, with references and flavours of my old habits and shortcomings."
While Past Life is cohesive throughout, it does undergo a number of shifts in mood, from the underwater guitar riffs on "Oceanworld" to the dance-pop of "This Wave." Fiore's expert craftsmanship, whatever the style, makes him an artist to keep on your radar. Past Life is the perfect album for the coming summer months and the adventures that await you.
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