Avett Brothers and Mike Patton Bring the Heat with “Heaven’s Breath”

The unexpected collaboration between The Avett Brothers and Mike Patton has resulted in the release of a new single, “Heaven’s Breath,” from their upcoming joint album AVTT/PTTN scheduled for release on 14 November through Thirty Tigers, Ramseur Records, and Ipecac Recordings.

“Heaven’s Breath” is a powerful, raw rock’n’roll track that showcases Patton’s dynamic vocal abilities and The Avett Brothers’ talent for southern storytelling. Serving as the final single to be released before the full album, the song is already generating buzz as one of the standout cross-genre releases of the year.

The genesis of “Heaven’s Breath” can be traced back to an initial riff by Scott Avett, described as a moment of creative experimentation that set the tone for a record characterized by grit, distortion, and artistic freedom. Drawing comparisons to Mr. Bungle’s “Retrovertigo,” the track reflects Patton’s groundbreaking musical contributions as the frontman of Faith No More and Mr. Bungle. His ability to seamlessly transition between tender melodies and intense vocals imbues “Heaven’s Breath” with a wild, untamed energy.

Beyond its musical merits, “Heaven’s Breath” embodies the unique chemistry between The Avett Brothers and Patton. For the Avetts, collaborating with Patton was a dream come true, with Scott expressing, “Mike’s part of our DNA, like the fabric of our youth.” The partnership was equally meaningful to Patton, who humorously joked about becoming a long-lost brother brought back into the fold after years of isolation.

Produced by Patton, The Avetts, and Grammy-winning engineer Dana Nielsen, AVTT/PTTN defies conventions with its unconventional songwriting process. Scott Avett’s initial sketches were reimagined by Patton before being further developed with Seth Avett, resulting in a project that blurs the lines between Appalachian folk, experimental rock, and cinematic art-pop.

The album’s opening track “Dark Night Of My Soul” sets a contemplative tone with acoustic guitars and intricate harmonies, leading into the fuzz-laden intensity of “Heaven’s Breath,” the optimistic “Too Awesome,” and the visceral energy of “The Ox Driver’s Song.” The previously released “Eternal Love” stands out for its introspective depth beneath the layers of distortion.

The moniker AVTT/PTTN encapsulates the collaborative spirit of the album, symbolizing the union of two distinct creative forces. It represents a rare convergence of North Carolina folk tradition and the avant-garde sensibilities of alternative rock, as described by Patton as a “collision of worlds.”

With a musical trajectory that spans bluegrass, Americana, and indie rock, The Avett Brothers have solidified their place in the music industry since their formation in the early 2000s. Their mainstream success with albums like I And Love And You, The Carpenter, and Magpie And The Dandelion has been followed by critical acclaim, including Grammy nominations and the release of the Judd Apatow-directed documentary May It Last: A Portrait Of The Avett Brothers.

For Patton, AVTT/PTTN marks another evolution in a career defined by innovation and versatility. From Faith No More’s groundbreaking albums to his diverse projects like Mr. Bungle, Mondo Cane, and Tomahawk, Patton’s creative output spans multiple genres, mediums, and artistic endeavors.

Set for release on 14 November 2025, AVTT/PTTN promises to be a landmark collaboration between two influential musical forces, merging their distinct styles into a cohesive and compelling body of work.