Unlikely collaborators The Avett Brothers and Mike Patton deliver a genre-defying debut that proves artistic chemistry transcends boundaries.
Words by Felix Bartlett | Oct 24, 2025
When Grammy-nominated folk-rockers The Avett Brothers teamed up with experimental rock icon Mike Patton, it raised more than a few eyebrows. But their collaboration, AVTT/PTTN, isn’t just a musical experiment; it’s a bold, cohesive project that captures the best of both worlds while venturing into entirely new territory. Born out of years of trading ideas remotely after Scott Avett expressed his admiration for Patton’s work, this nine-track collection feels less like a side project and more like a meeting of creative minds driven by mutual curiosity.
Dark Night of My Soul opens the record with a delicate acoustic arrangement and lush harmonies, immediately signalling that this isn’t a Faith No More record dressed in Americana, nor a straightforward Avett Brothers album. Patton’s weathered, expressive tone blends unexpectedly well with the Avetts’ smooth vocals, creating a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new.
Things heat up quickly with Heaven’s Breath, a gritty, hard-edged rocker that pushes the Avetts into heavier sonic territory than we’ve heard before. Patton, meanwhile, holds back just enough to let the track breathe, delivering a performance that’s powerful without overpowering. It’s a mix that shouldn’t work as well as it does, yet somehow, it’s seamless.
Lead single Eternal Love is the record’s most approachable moment, though it still brims with complexity. The song explores the murkier side of affection, with intertwining harmonies and a surprise burst of synth that adds a touch of left-field charm. It’s strange in the most inviting way.
Their reimagining of the folk tune The Ox Driver’s Song stomps and snarls with distorted grit, paying homage to tradition while tearing it down at the same time. Elsewhere, Disappearing dips into classic Americana, with Patton taking a softer, crooning approach that proves just how effortlessly he adapts to different styles.
By the time Received closes the album, AVTT/PTTN has achieved something quietly remarkable: a record that feels distinct from each artist’s past work yet true to all of them. It’s the sound of restless creators meeting in the middle and discovering something genuinely new. Here’s hoping this isn’t a one-time collaboration.
Verdict: 💀💀💀💀
For Fans of: Hozier, The National, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
AVTT/PTTN is released on November 14 via Thirty Tigers in association with Ramseur Records and Ipecac Recordings
Leave a Reply