Patrick Costello – “Baltimore City/Let the Brothers Breathe”

Patrick Costello’s latest single, “Baltimore City/Let the Brothers Breathe”, is a protest song that’s direct and grounded in real anger. It was written in response to the police killings of Freddie Gray, Eric Garner, and Michael Brown, and it speaks to how little has changed since, and the message is clear, and it doesn’t sugarcoat anything. It’s coming from someone who’s genuinely fed up, and that energy comes through right away.

The sound pulls from blues and R&B rock, and there’s a strong chorus meant to be shouted back. It’s not trying to be polished or polite. It’s a demand to stop the violence, especially against Black men, and it comes across as personal. You can tell this song matters to the people involved in making it. The guitars from Tommy Odetto and bass from Tim Baker give it a steady drive. Desiree Joly’s background vocals add a lot of feeling, and Ari Rios, who helped record and mix the track at Laughing Tiger Studios, really brought it all together.

It’s a song that wants your attention and if you’re interested in music that stands for something, definitely keep up with Patrick Costello on social media to see what else he releases in 2025.