Raymond Richards – The Lost Art of Wandering

After a making his way playing guitar and pedal steel in several different psych-rock and modern country groups over the last two decades, Raymond Richards debuts his first solo release on old friend Lovefingers’ Los Angeles based label ESP Institute. Truly the first of its kind, The Lost Art of Wandering plays like a dream-state ambient country trip through empty versions of the cities in which the track titles are derived from. Primarily pedal steel driven and drenched in reverb, Raymond’s one-man band only enlists help at the keys and drums for the album’s biggest moments in “Fossil, Oregon” & “Idaho Falls, Idaho”. The other 6 of the LP’s 8 tracks find Raymond’s crooning pedal steel take center stage, layered with atmospheric synths, field recordings and the occasional light percussion evoking heavy emotions and drawing similarities only comparable to the best moments of Daniel Lanois on Brian & Roger Eno’s classic Apollo.

– Jonny Mons

Recommended – Full Listen

Available for purchase in the ISC Store.