Our friend Patrick Ames has returned with his newest project, Like Family, just in time for the holidays. Although this isn’t a holiday album in the traditional sense, it is a record featuring a collection of songs focused on family, love and the passing of time; many of the things we reflect upon during the holiday season.

If you don’t remember Patrick from our previous feature. Check out Four Faces here. You can find our interview here.

With MIDI guitar synth in tow and the lovely backup vocals of Chana and Mikaela, Patrick dedicates this project to his mother. The sound engineering, courtesy of Mike Schoonmaker, makes each track shine to its fullest potential.

It’s worth noting that Patrick’s work as a book editor and publisher adds a distinct flair to his lyrics and songwriting. Be sure you’re paying close attention!

The intro track, I Know What It’s Like, kicks off with a danceable rhythm and classic rock groove. Before the song ends, you’ll know what’s it like to get hooked by a Patrick Ames song.

The dreamy, atmospheric nature of Like Family plays well with the concept of memories transforming into snapshots in the mind as time passes by. Each instrument on this one was played by Ames’ MIDI guitar. The mellow nature and slower tempo allow the vocals to soulfully soar.

Celebrating the courage of those who believe in something so much they will take to the streets to march about it, March On acts as an anthemic ode to protests and the protestors expelling all their energy for their beliefs. Hard hitting drums serve as the marching rhythm while piano, background vocals and a percussive performance paint the soundscape. Audio clips of protests in progress bring us into the environment which inspired this track.

Push The Door Open is probably the catchiest song on this project. Driving rhythms push multiple guitars through infectious melody and memorable lyrics. This song breaks through the doorway that separates who you currently are with you really want to be by digging deep into our senses and pulling on the emotional strings.

Closing out the EP is Robert Mondavi which Ames labels “Wine Country Music”. Aptly so considering the minimalist, saloon style piano melody that sets the pace and atmosphere for a chorus that sounds like a family gathering around the ivory keys, wine glasses full, enjoying every second together as they toast to what they love most.

Like Family is available on Spotify and iTunes.

Connect directly with Patrick Ames on his official website.

For more music, check out our feature of  Four Faces. Our previous interview is here.