PATAKAS
‘Skillful and innovative… Joe Sartin’s vocals are strong and clear, Will’s mandolin dexterous and fluid… Thresherman, a 19th-century broadside, is an album highlight on which Will’s beautiful mandolin lines trace silver around Joe’s excellent vocal as the tale is told of a hard-working family man.’
Folk Radio
‘Exceptionally talented’ brothers, Joe and Will Sartin, launched in June their first recording as Patakas (pronounced pa : ta : kus), a new duo bursting on to the English folk scene. With Joe’s sublime voice and guitar playing and Will’s dexterous mandolin, the brothers beautifully and skilfully express the music-making and folk tradition that run through the very core of their family.
‘When You’re Ready’ is their debut EP and came out on WildGoose Records in June 2023.
‘As a debut recording, ‘When You’re Ready’ is a very fine piece of work and if you ever worry that the folk movement may be running out of steam I urge you to listen to Joe and Will.’
Folking.com
‘The tune sets provide a showcase for Will’s speedy fingers, the highlight being his natty take on David Kosky’s ‘Mystery Itch’, which manages the rare feat of leaping about whilst retaining a wistful air.’
Tradfolk.co
‘Exceptionally talented musicians. A surprisingly assured debut.’
Tradfolk
The EP was made during the six months after their well-loved father Paul Sartin, passed away. An esteemed and prolific folk musician, violinist, oboist, singer, composer, Paul was a founding member of award-winning folk bands Bellowhead, Faustus and Belshazzar’s Feast.
Will (Mandolin, Bouzouki, fiddle, vocals) Alongside his full-time course at Sheffield University, Will also finds time to dance with Five Rivers Morris and is an active member of the folk scene in the city and beyond. For many years, he has been part of the lively and well-known five-piece festival ceilidh band, Out of Hand. This experience shapes the selection and energetic drive of the tunes that Patakas arranges for their performances.
Joe (vocals, guitar) has recently gained a first class degree in Music and lives in his home county of Hampshire. In addition to developing his traditional folk repertoire, and penning original songs, Joe manages and performs with rock band, Mojo & The Royal Restitution. He composes music across multiple genres and is currently working on compositions for the video game market, other musical collaborations and projects in folk, jazz and rock; influences which contribute to the unique musical identity of Patakas. Both brothers were members of the National Youth Folklore Troupe of England (NYFTE) in their younger years.