Altsounds - Richard Walters - The Animal [Album]

Richard Walters is a male solo artist, and the word “artist” indicates in this case an excellent songwriter, singer, guitarist and pianist, yes, really a one man show. He’s no Superman though, and he did get a little help on his debut full length “The Animal” from the likes of producer David Kosten (Bat for Lashes) and Kanye West's cellist. Are you starting to get some kind of idea of what Richard Walters is all about? Good, because his music is not something you can label with just one word.

Indie? Kind of. Folk? Maybe a bit, but not really. Pop? Melodic enough, but surely far from Michael Jackson or Madonna. Definitely the picture on the cover, with Walters wearing headphones and attacking a plate of cables with fork and spoon like a tasty spaghetti dish, is misleading to say the least.

Richard Walters sinuous falsetto vocals compliment delicate harmonies which you would expect framing sweet love stories; indeed, this is not the case. Behind the romantic pastel blue coloured melodies lie dark red lyrics, like title track ‘The Animal,’ seeing domestic violence from the abusers point of view. We find insight on hallucinogens on ‘We Have Your Head’ and epilepsy on ‘Red Brick,’ while seemingly poetic ‘All At Sea’ has been used on an episode of the sometimes gruesome “CSI Miami” TV Series. The contrast between soft music and lyrics that wouldn’t sound bad on a Children of Bodom song gives Richard Walters a twisted edge that makes “The Animal” way more appealing.

Just 26 years old, publicity shy and with only this full length and a few bits and pieces on his CV, Richard Walters already benefits of a cult following and praises from demanding critics. Touring with Dave Matthews also earned him a higher reputation. “The Animal” is one of those albums that I’m not exactly sure what slice of the market it could appeal to, but I find it hard to imagine anyone who could truly dislike it. Soft but also dark, easy but not obvious, this is a quality job that deserves your attention. Unless you’re a manic depressive with suicidal thoughts, in which case you should only play Richard Walters under strict supervision!