Richard Walters is a singer-songwriter, hailing from Oxford. Unsigned and yet undeniably talented, this EP foreshadows the release of his third full-length LP, a record set to stun. Four original tracks and a cover of Echo & the Bunnymen's 'Bring on the Dancing Horses' make up 'Young Trees', an EP that was recorded over several months. Stark and honest, a complex simplicity gears away behind the flawless production, blown by a crisp winter breeze and the red river of a heart-broken man. 'Young Trees' is Walter's statement of liberation, however much he misses the shackles that bound him. However much he wants to feel the weight of emotional chains hanging from his heart, 'Young Trees' marks the point at which Walter realises the etched scars are beginning to fade. Picking himself up, he dusts off an innately somber and sincere set of memories and ushers them into this hopeful collection- box, with every intention of looking with a resolute determination towards the future. An EP like this conceives with melancholy adulation the innermost workings of a human heart, an inconceivable notion as vast and boundless as that of the cosmos and all its truths. Its not a mathematical proof, nor a scientific equation. The undulation of a man's breathing when close to true eudaimonia is the answer. Richard Walters attained this state; 'Young Trees' following as a carriage for the lament of its loss. For me it's nothing short of truly beautiful!
The opening number also serves as the title track. 'Young Trees' is three minutes of an undeniable human warmth. String instruments waver and wane beneath upbeat drums of a brilliant quality. The balancing of vocals and instrumentation is executed perfectly before my favourite track even comes into view. 'Regretless' utilises Walters falsetto to stunningly good effect, teary-eyed harmonies and high notes riding atop a simple piano melody. The best section for me however, is when Walter steps along a lyrical passage with vocals that seem tangibly close to talking. It's a dangerous path to tread, but this has got to be one of my favourite examples of such a technique. 'Dandelion' follows and 'Infinity Street' follows that. Subtle crescendos and corridors of hauntingly quiet, and quietly saddening singing lead with fragility and passion and admirable guilelessness to the ultimate song. A version of 'Bring on the Dancing Horses' to surpass all others, it makes an apt end to an EP that requires all of your attention. The soundtrack to reflection, 'Young Trees' is awe-inspiring! Hear 'Regretless' below and then I eagerly suggest you purchase the whole EP over here.
