Photocomfort has released her latest album, Patron Saint, a collection of eleven songs presenting a heartfelt tribute to platonic love. The human behind Photocomfort is Justine Bowe, and her excellent craftsmanship in songwriting, production, and performance—honed through her contributions to projects like Hex Girlfriend, Anjimile, and Cliff Notez—shines in this new record.
Patron Saint blends electronic and acoustic elements, with pedal steel adding unique texture to the compositions. The album draws inspiration from a wide array of artists, from the ‘90s pop sound of Alanis Morissette and Dido to the stylings of Björk and Thom Yorke. The songs are characterised by their expansive arrangements and catchy vocal hooks, conveying nuanced renderings of the self-doubt and isolation associated with artistic pursuits, while celebrating the rich, platonic relationships that have influenced Bowe’s life and music.
The lead single, Roll, exemplifies the album’s intimate but delighted spirit. The track begins with a vintage synthesizer and samples of shouts and laughter from Bowe’s close friend Anjimile. The result is a spontaneous and genuine exchange that was preserved in the final mix. This organic approach to production, where the energy in the room, casual conversations, and friendly laughter are integral, reflects the warmth of the album.
Bowe’s process for creating Patron Saint was deeply personal. She had taken a hiatus from releasing music, feeling that her songwriting lacked sincerity, but she found the spark again in writing love songs for her friends, among which we find titles like Delicate Machine, Close to the Sun, Big Star, Party, or Let It Ride. This allowed her to craft a collection that is true to her and evocative for her audience, filled with care, tenderness, and the vibrancy of deep platonic love. The music video for Roll is described by Bowe as a “three-minute thriller” and was filmed entirely in her apartment. That choice, along with every other detail wrapped into the process of the album, embodies the hearth-warmed, close embrace of Patron Saint.
