Richard Tyler Epperson – A Wandering Mind
Richard Tyler Epperson – A Wandering Mind – EP Review
Heads UP y’all…I’ve got that good ol’ pre-release info for ya, and Richard Tyler Epperson’s upcoming 2023 record in advance on my playlists already…figured I might share a lil’ something with ya and let you in on what I’m hearing! Why? Well, because I’m EXCITED about it of course! Not just excited about the music, but excited to see/hear that RTE is taking the momentum he established with last year’s release of his Another Day EP, and turning that inspiration, love, and support from ya into fuel for the future. If you read my review on Richard’s previous EP last year, or heard his music on the SBS Podcast earlier this year – you know full well that I’m a big fan of this guy…he’s a genuinely super talented songwriter/artist. So heck ya – it’s great to have him back in action already, even if I’m several months early talking about his next record right now…let’s get that buzz goin’ strong for the guy shall we? I’m hearing at least seven great reasons to be stoked about his upcoming release of A Wandering Mind…and you never know dear readers, dear friends – keep your fingers crossed…by the time it comes out, there might even be more music on it for ya! Rumors have suggested that could be the case…just keep in mind, I’m so far in advance of the rest in this review, that EVERYTHING could change from the order, to the songs, to the release date – but as of now, I’ve got seven tracks, and it looks like this comes out New Year’s Day, 2023.
A Wandering Mind opens brilliantly, with the whispered hush of Richard singing on “Sunrise.” It’s the kind of cut that’ll instantly remind you how essential it is to have this dude’s music on your playlists, set the stage for the lineup to follow, and give you a taste of the quality songs you’re in store for all-around. Pop/Rock of his own design, with hints of Jazz, Electro, and R&B – RTE’s unique infusion of sound fits perfectly with the color of his words and how he paints such a vivid picture with his vocals on “Sunrise.” Definitely enticing without a doubt, the detail he’s put into the production is straight-up spectacular, and I think by the end of a single spin of “Sunrise,” we’ll likely all come to the same conclusion – this is not only Richard’s most ambitious material to-date, but he’s sounding better than he ever has before. Whether or not you think the song is as great as any of the ones he’s released in the past or not (you will, no worries!) – the sonic textures he’s got goin’ on from the surface to the background of “Sunrise” confirm this dude has stepped up his game in every way, and continued to evolve big-time as an artist. Many of you out there listening will be able to take partial credit for that too – Richard’s singing & playing with more confidence than you’ve ever heard from him so far, and it’s probably fair to assume that’s been inspired by how much everyone out there has been supporting him over the past couple years…at this point, the secret is out, and people from all corners of the map are truly paying attention. You’re the fans to his flames, and the spark of inspiration has ignited into a full-on blaze – “Sunrise” still draws on his natural sense of melancholy & downtrodden emotions, yes – but MAN does it sound great! Listen to the drums will ya? Absolutely spectacular and worth the price of admission on their own – the fact that there’s a whole lot more to come along with’em is purely a bonus for each and every one of us.
Taking us backwards chronologically, “2 AM” comes after “Sunrise” on A Wandering Mind, but rest assured, in terms of sound and the layout of this record, I think he’s got the order right & tight for ya. RTE is no stranger to diving deep into some of the hardest of hard feelings, emotions, and personal experiences to create his material, and “2 AM” continues to follow that standard without exception. Honestly, I love the fact that he’s able to tackle such heavy concepts in such a listenable way – songs like “2 AM” are going to have no problem at all making a serious impression on the hearts & minds of the people out there, yet he’s also giving you an irresistible dose of sound well worth turning UP at the same time. Detailing the scattered thoughts of life & love in the middle of a sleepless night – “2 AM” is like a battle to keep love itself on the course it’s meant to be on without falling off a cliff into oblivion below. Like many of Richard’s songs, it’d be hard to describe it as ‘happy’ – but it’s not exactly without hope either…he’s got a very natural & sincere way of singing his thoughts & feelings to us out loud, and as a result, we’re continually onboard and in this guy’s corner, hoping that somehow, some way, things will work out for him. Dude’s a damn fearless songwriter when it comes right down to it – Epperson goes to places most would never dare, but it’s entirely because of that, his music also seems so much more real.
Listen to the depth in “We All Need Some Love” too will ya? Good gravyboat lighthouse y’all – it’s tracks like these that sure make you appreciate what great music sounds like! Hopefully no one out there’s listening on too much of a tin-can stereo, because this is a perfect example of what a masterful mix truly sounds like. The punch into it is fantastic, the low-end is brilliantly threaded into the whole vibe, the vocals, drums, guitars, bass all sit right where you’d wanna find them in the music…I mean…it’s a mix to genuinely be proud of y’all, and speaks volumes on behalf of the production you’ll find on A Wandering Mind. I’ll put it to ya this way folks…I think there’s a solid chance this third cut won’t make quite the immediate impression that the first two tracks will in terms of the hooks perhaps, but in terms of the production itself, this is top-shelf through & through, and still a remarkable dose of single-worthy sound. I look at it like this…even if “We All Need Some Love” came out at the bottom of your list of favorites on A Wandering Mind, then RTE is in seriously incredible shape to break through to the next level with this whole record. It’s not like “We All Need Some Love” will take a significant longer time to grow on ya – you’ll love it, I promise, I swear – but sure, maybe both “Sunrise” and “2 AM” might work their magic on ya a little bit quicker. The real bottom line is that every single one of these cuts will give you reasons to return to the record and plenty worth turning UP, and “We All Need Some Love” is certainly included in that…this is the kind of cut that adds major strength to the lineup overall. From the killer tone of the guitar, to the harmonics in the mix, to the punch of the rhythm section on “We All Need Some Love” – RTE ain’t letting anyone down, and he’s only competing against himself on this record – ANY of these songs could end up being your favorite from the bunch, and if this is yours, you’ll get nothing but a high five from me. I could make an argument for them all I tell ya…”We All Need Some Love” is a great tune.
The advance single from the record, is “Take It Slow” – give it a click for yourself up above this very sentence whilst you’re reading, I can promise ya won’t be disappointed! Personally, I think it’s a fantastic choice to have put out there, and a great infusion of the old & new for the modern-day era that a ton of people will enjoy. It’s like you can hear some of the ol’ 50s/60s influence on the melody, with production values that are ahead of their time now, and the smart combinations of analog & digital that Richard has been building his music with at work on “Take It Slow.” Plus – I felt like it’ll give you a good snapshot of what A Wandering Mind has to offer without giving it all away at once whatsoever, which is the right way to go about things in the present, given that the record is still a fair distance away. Some of his most sage advice, insight, and wisdom is on display here…some that applies to himself, some that we’ll relate to as listeners…all-in-all, you can think of “Take It Slow” as an anthem for our evolution and growth in all forms. Whether it’s personal issues or struggles you’re combatting, or simply trying to reach that next level in whatever it is you do – “Take It Slow” and you’ll get there, that’s what he’s implying. A comforting song that’s every bit as catchy, once again Richard’s got me fully impressed by his attention to detail throughout the music, how inventive & creative the melody & structure are, and his spot-on execution throughout this record…if there’s something he could be doin’ better, I couldn’t tell ya what that would be – everything sounds spectacular to me, and his authenticity as an artist has been shining from start to finish throughout the whole lineup. “Take It Slow” is a gentle Pop/Rock type of tune…endearing, sweet, and as with all of Richard’s music, it’s genuinely sincere. Sound advice here!
Taking the record in a more low-key direction, “So Stuck On You” is a reflective moment in time, with RTE not only “So Stuck On You,” but largely stuck in his own thoughts as well. Probably not the track that’s gonna be the biggest hit on the record for most, but nothing I’d remotely throw away either – “So Stuck On You” is a heavier emotional vibe and presents itself as such without fear…and I think people will dig that. Lots of space in this tune…ultimately, I think it’s a good inclusion into A Wandering Mind, and gives the record the chance to reset itself somewhat, before ramping up for the finale in its final tunes. I’ve never been the biggest fan of hand clappin’ or finger snappin’ – but I’ll admit, everything seems to fit really well in this cut. In particular, the bass! If anything, I might be tempted to tell Richard to give it even more of the spotlight than it currently has on this track…the smooth groove you’ll find here could very well steal the show as the biggest hook on “So Stuck On You.” He’s done really smart things with the echo of background vocals on this record too…I’m not entirely sure everything we’re actually hearing is even HIM…I don’t know who, what, or how, but he’s got a few moments in the lineup of A Wandering Mind that sounds like it contains a few different voices in the mix along the way. These are just theories of course – you’ll have to have a listen for yourself to see if you’re hearing what I’m hearing or if I’m just trippin’ out over here as I write this…but in any event, once again, I dig it! Mired in confusion and feelings of love – he’s got bass in this cut what would rival something as cool as “Orange Marmalade” (or anything on their album Box for that matter) by Mellowdrone…and in particular, I’d be taking a look at a few of the things they’ve done if I was RTE…there could be some good inspiration there for his future. Anyhow – as subtle and slow as it may appear, “So Stuck On You” is still wildly appealing & highly effective – anyone that’s ever been fixated on someone before in their lifetime will no doubt find a ton about this track extremely relatable & have to acknowledge how very real this all is.
Now…no matter how good or great many of us are, or can be – none of us escape those moments where we feel like we could have done something different to tweak things for the better somehow – and that might very well be the case with “A Beautiful Day” reappearing on A Wandering Mind after having been on the Another Day EP from last year. This much I know is true – I’ll take this track ANY day of the week, and twice on Sundays…I’ve never grown tired of it, and I suspect that I never will. With its updated production to match the rest of the record, it’s a great fit into the lineup of Richard’s latest tracks, and I’d be willing to bet, for his fan-base & new fans alike, “A Beautiful Day” is always going to be a welcome song. Honestly, it’s just a freakin’ gorgeous tune that’s built of pure sunshine and rainbows – it’s one of the best examples I can point to of Richard writing within a happier gear than we normally find him in, and how when it all comes as naturally to him as it does on “A Beautiful Day,” his happy moments could easily rival any of his more complex, questioning, or curious emotions. Sounds like a fairly trite observation when it comes right down to it, I get that – but for those of you out there that write songs yourself, you all know we have those things we do just that much better than others, right? Richard’s so good at detailing the confusion of life & love that you’d swear he’d never be able to compete with all that in any other style of song, and it’s the warmth of a track like “A Beautiful Day” that proves beyond the shadow of a doubt that he absolutely can, and has. I’d go as far as to say it’s one of my top favorites in his entire catalog…so for me, bringing it back once again wasn’t just a good move, it was a great one – anyone out there that missed this somehow the first time around gets another chance to catch the melodic magic he’s put into this tune, and having a close listen to it will improve your LIFE. How many times do we get to say THAT about something we’ve written, am I right? Well folks, it’s true!
“Living Within My Thoughts” is a great example of Richard thriving once again inside the pain of confusion and how internalized he can be with his writing, yet how remarkably he’s still able to be relatable and connect to all us listening along. It’s subtly epic really…and another cut that I’d be willing to put up there with some of the best of the best in his catalog for the concept and how well realized it all is, probably the instrumentation on display as well. That instrumental section towards the fourth minute y’all! Like, c’mon now – that’s sonic brilliance right there is what that is. From the cleverness of how it starts in such a mellow vein, and expands to become as radiant & all-encompassing as it gets – you have to admire how Richard’s got every note & tone from the music to the microphone dialed right into where he wants it to be on A Wandering Mind, and how completely water-tight this whole record is. Dude should be completely proud of what he’s accomplished, straight up. He’s gonna have PLENTY of people worried about the fragility of his mental state, but lemme assure ya, writing out his thoughts and feelings is cathartic, important, and crucial to getting through it all. Turning his pain into ART, RTE is finding serious victory, and captivating our hearts & minds in the process of keeping us relentlessly entertained. Basically, he’s like the Ed Sheeran of emotional turmoil…perhaps that’s the best way I can explain it to ya. “Living Within My Thoughts” is a spectacular finale to his new record, and it FEELS final – as in, you know you’ve reached the end of A Wandering Mind from the moment it begins, and you FEEL completely satisfied with the way it concludes this lineup. I not only remain an enthusiastic supporter of Richard Tyler Epperson after this experience, but despite all the pain and heartbreaking confusion he writes about, I feel like his future ahead is brighter than ever, personally, and artistically – A Wandering Mind is the strongest material we’ve heard him so far without question.
Find out everything ya can about Richard Tyler Epperson from the official pages below!
Main Site: https://www.richardtylerepperson.com
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