Track listing: Harbortowne, The Juggler, Never Going Back, Lottery, Missing You, A Woman Like You, Slap In The Face, Just Doesn't Work Anymore, Sally Brown, Back In The Storm, Until The Fire Is Gone, Start Again

Harbortowne is the latest album by Austin-based duo Patton & Brokus, slated for release on September 20th through Houston's Berkalin Records. The married duo of Jim Patton and Sherry Brokus has been performing together for over 40 years, this year returning to the essence of their Folk/Americana roots with this collection of 12 tracks that are as sweet and down to earth as the performers themselves.

Before diving into the songs, props need to be doled out to the renowned crew of Harbortowne's contributors, beyond Jim's vocal & guitar and Sherry's vocals & percussion. Producer Ron Flynt adds vocals, bass, keys, harmonica, and acoustic guitar. Additional acoustic guitar and mandolin is courtesy of Rich Brotherton and the acclaimed Warren Hood holds down fiddle duties. John Bush is on percussion and silky voiced BettySoo adds backing vocals.

The first two singles--the title track and "Lottery"--are already out, soon to be followed by "Just Doesn't Work Anymore" and "A Woman Like You." The duo also released an in-studio video for "Lottery" filmed at Austin's Jumping Dog Studios. 

Each song embodies a rootsy aesthetic and sincerity lost in much of today's music. While the album's production is well-done, it's also not overproduced. You'd hear the same sounds if you were sitting in the middle of the room surrounded by the musicians playing the album live. Little details like the eight-note percussion tapping in "A Woman Like You," almost an homage to Jerry Allison's knee-tapping on Buddy Holly's "Everyday."

There's a sentimentality behind Jim's story behind "why I never settled down with Sally Brown." And there are so many truths behind "Until The Fire Is Gone," as evidenced by the couple continuing to perform in front of us today. 

Harbortowne is just a true life album of real life people singing and writing about the ups and downs we've all experienced in our own life's experiences. What you need to do now is run to pattonbrokus.com and follow Jim and Sherry on the social and streaming platforms of your choosing. Take note of the upcoming singles and the album's release. They've also got a slew of shows lined up in support of Harbortowne.