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Raianne
Richards: Self-Titled
There is little not to like about this self-titled EP from singer-songwriter Raianne Richards. It is only 25 minutes long and glides by in what seems to be half that time. Raianne has a pretty voice that generally sounds like a mix between Dar Williams and Jewels, and she serenades the listener with sweet-tempered, thoughtful ditties complemented by acoustic guitar and sometimes bass, clarinet and/or a quiet electric. These eight tracks are simple in their construction and always approach with an almost startling gentleness. Captured on a four-track machine in Raiannes bedroom, they have a warm, intimate feel and immediately strike you as heartfelt. Raianne was only 18 when she recorded them, and the insightfulness of many of her lyrics is rather astounding; she comes off as much wiser than her age would suggest. The opening track is a bouncy number with an extremely catchy bass part and lyrics that ruminate on freedom and the anonymity of modern day society. With just a touch of Martha Wainwright thrown into her vocals, Raiannes tone is a bit darker and more solemn here than on some of the later tracks. Its a very strong opening that draws you right in. She follows this with an easier tune that flows by like a Spring rain-drenched stream in Vermont. The bass is less present, leaving the focus on Raiannes vocals and acoustic guitar. The chorus is instantly catchy, soothingly reassuring give me one hand and Ill embrace it / give me two and I wont let you fall. The words and music possess a stark honesty and vulnerability that keep them from feeling contrived. The next two tracks have Raianne breaking out her clarinet as an accompaniment to her acoustic playing. Its unexpected and adds a really unique color without overpowering the balance of guitar and voice. In the case of track three, I only wish the whole thing could have been a little longer; its too sweet a melody to cut so short. Track four, on the other hand, may be the one song on the disc thats a little too long. Called Crazy Boy, it is basically just Raianne repeating drives me crazy over and over again, and after a while, you might be saying the same about this song. Track five is a return to the sweet melodic song structures weve come to expect and includes a male backing vocal that meshes well with Raiannes own voice. Here, she once again demonstrates her gift for arrangement and sonic balance. And the bassist comes up with another enticing part, really shining as the lead instrumental melody while Raianne sings reflective lines such as, Far away I linger / like the night lingers with the dawn. The next track is the most country-ish of the bunch. While most of these songs are fairly organic folk tunes, this one immediately brings to mind a dusty southern diner. Its also the most Jewel sounding of all the songs, which might be a turn off for some listeners; but its still a pleasant number that certainly seems the most radio-ready. Compositionally, track seven is the least memorable of the album, making use of chord changes that are quite overused in this type of music; but the song does provide a nice showcase for the higher register of Raiannes voice. Employing a Pixies-esque bassline and a little of Kim Deals fairy-like vocal style, the final track is the most rockin of all the tunes, and also perhaps the most original in terms of composition. The chord changes are wonderful in the chorus, one leading deeper into the other, which works perfectly with the lyrics: Slowly spinning down / heading straight for the ground. . . . / Somebody stop the commotion / I cant handle the emotion / going round my head. In all, this is a very impressive first EP by Miss Richards. It is clear that she has a lot of talent, and her musical emotion is genuine. With a proper band backing her up and a professional recording, Raiannes music will only come across with even more power. In the meantime, this homey EP serves as a wonderful introduction to Raiannes tender, yet sophisticated inner world.
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