The Animal - Richard Walters

I spent much of last week listening to the fantastic debut album from Oxford born but Parisienne resident, Richard Walters. The Animal is a collection of clever and beautiful songs delivered by Walters’ delicate voice. Before I go on, here’s the first single from The Animal, a cover of Daniel Johnsons’ True Love Will Find You in the End.

Richard Walters - The Animal

Brittle Bones opens the album and is minimal in style - a simple guitar line forms the basis of the track with the glockenspiel, piano and a female backing vocal rounding out the track. With an almost whispered vocal Walters seems to be near breaking point in the start of an album of pain and heartache. The tenderness of Weather Song is also perfect to show case his extraordinary vocal capability and set the tone for what will follow.

All At Sea is a sad love song that is curiously uplifting. Layered strings lend the song a larger landscape for his soaring voice. It’s not all sadness and heartbreak though. The Daniel Johnson cover above suits Walters perfectly as he takes Johnson’s positive cheers and adds weight to it. The Animal itself is full of sorrow, as he tells a tragic tale from the point of view of an abusive partner. Yet deep in the desolattion is flashes of hope and optimism.

Ultimately these songs of heartbreak and disillusionment showcase an unbelievable vocal talent. However, sometimes I wonder if the voice might be better utilised on covers with broader themes. His own songs are at times very basic both lyrically and musically. The Animal is also at times a bit ‘samey’. With the exception of the title track, the pace never seems to change. This is not an altogether negative thing, but it does leave you wanting more. There is no denying that The Animal is an accomplished, affecting album, and one that is deserving of recognition. It may sound thoroughly depressing initially, but those rays of light peeking through the clouds throughout the album, make it one of my favourite new finds this year.

I loved the album so much, I went about seeking Richard and I was lucky enough to be able to chat with him over the phone about his move to Paris, his new album, his time in a Bob Dylan tribute band and his life with Epilepsy among other things:

Walters is not the next James Blunt; he’s not taking over where Damien Rice left off. Richard Walters is his own man with a unique talent that I hope to hear plenty more from in the years to come.

Check out Richard’s MySpace page here and his album is out now. You can also follow Richard on Twitter @richardwalters.