Leaving Richmond - The Bird and the Submarine

One of the first collections of music that I bought on-line was 'the secrets of washington avenue' by Leaving Richmond. I'd followed a few recommends and ended up listening to a podcast of down-tempo, chilled out music c/o @UBLF and one of the tracks had stood out as something a little more interesting. That initial purchase has been one of my regular listening pleasures ever since. So I was delighted to be given the chance to listen to The Bird and the Submarine, the latest collection from Californian composer, Jordan Pier.

In a similar vein to that first EP, the pieces here are like mini movies in sound, filled with atmosphere and dynamics, creating vivid pictures in your imagination. Each has its own quality but works well as a part of the total; almost like episodes of a series. In fact, this is where Leaving Richmond's music could really hit paydirt. As a soundtrack to the next urban drama (crime or otherwise) from HBO music of such quality as this would enhance the visuals well.

There is plenty of catchy melody, punchy rhythm, and dynamic interest in these pieces. Guitars are layered over electronics, giving a sense of drama and drive, and hooking you in from the opening bars. The arrangements are more complex on this EP - as one might expect - and some of the melodic flourishes are insistent that you hum them all day.
Whilst these songs certainly don't lack anything by being instrumental, it would be interesting to see what the addition of lyrics might bring out of them. I would also like to hear Jordan's take on a slower, more tender composition. He has proven himself to be a gifted composer and arranger, crafting two very strong sonic collections, and I am sure that there is still more to come.

Please check out Jordan's work at http://www.leavingrichmond.com/ or contact him on @leavingrichmond on twitter.