New Orleans native and current LA resident Crash Richard spews introspection in every direction in Sensitive Devil, an 11-track opus out as of November 28th. After years of touring as a “Magnetic Zero” behind indie rocker Edward Sharpe and co-founding the Deadly Syndrome (a band that garnered quick acclaim following debut album, The Ortolan), Richard is now branching into his own sonic dimension as a solo artist, crafting a sound too enigmatic to label and too elusive to savor.
Time changes, flats and sharps, twists and turns… the devil is in the details.
Crash Richard combines elements across musical genres to culminate into the odyssey that is Sensitive Devil, incorporating a myriad of musical instruments that range from the flute to maracas. Muted horns play a huge part of pushing the narrative along, an overt nod to his New Orleans origins, while more laidback tunes like “Same Day” put tambourines, harps, and chimes centerstage.
From the flattened tonal change in “Little Devil” to the full pullback of several songs at the bridge to begin anew, like “On The Run (Looking Out)”, Crash Richard keeps listeners audibly engaged from the first moments of the title track all the way to the end. And that’s not negating the album’s narrative, honing in on the strange trials and tribulations of love and growth in a disorienting, unwelcoming world. Time to adopt a devil may care attitude…
This incredible album is available now to stream on all digital outlets, as well as via limited edition 12″ vinyl — that is, for those who act fast. For fans of abstract indie (think Mac DeMarco meets Flaming Lips and Dr. Dog), Sensitive Devil is the kind of trip you don’t want to miss. To get more information on Crash Richard or to grab a copy of the physical LP today, visit the links below.
Crash Richard – “On The Run (Looking Out)”
Track listing:
- Sensitive Devil
- On The Run (Looking Out)
- When You’re Feeling Love
- Smitten Wesson
- Emancipated Being
- Little Devil
- Same Day
- Fool Moon (Cruised), feat. PWNT
- Swan AAA +1
- Workin’ On My Tone
- In The Hollow
Stream ‘Sensitive Devil’ album:
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Disclaimer: All views presented in this album review are those of the reviewer and not necessarily those of Top Shelf Music.
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