Rich Jacques is a Los Angeles, USA-based indie folk singer songwriter whose music Jane has shared a couple of times already for this blog. Now it’s my turn to run the rule over his music thanks to the release of his new EP Everything Must Change.
By Graeme Smith
Before shifting to writing and performing his own music, Rich was a producer and guitarist, working with some influential artist and even winning a Grammy award. Everything Must Change sees him going solo and keeping things to a minimum. The music is driven by his voice and guitar, and little else.
The EP opens with Montecito, a richly atmospheric piece that combines ambient sounds with layers of guitar melodies. Rich has a beautifully captivating voice and he uses it to paint a picture of paradise. It’s a story of escape and that’s exactly the feeling you get listening to it – for a few minutes you drift away to elsewhere.
The title track comes next. Rich makes the change from guitar to piano for the main melody and the result feels somewhat more melancholic. Yet, there’s a hopeful feel about the piece too. It’s a really effective mix of emotions, swirling together in a gentle composition that will envelope you.
Can You See It is gently acoustic, conjuring a sense of intimacy that’s reinforced by the story of its lyrics. They speak of tentative love and fear, underlined by a sense of wistful nostalgia. The theme that runs through the EP is one of change and its inevitability, and that comes through strongly in Can You See It. It’s an EP highlight.
Burn Me Down ups the tempo but doesn’t lose the intimacy. There’s a pleasant folksiness to the electronic-acoustic arrangement and its chanting chorus stays with you. New Design, a collaboration with Rachèl Louise, speaks of rebirth and is cautiously optimistic. The textured and layered vocals make it another EP highlight.
The EP closes with The Stars Above. For the record’s final story, Rich turns to plucked acoustic guitar and subtle keys, and the simplicity of it is powerful. It reflects the lyrical message. When it comes down to it, we need very little to be happy. It’s a lovely way to end the EP’s journey.
Everything Must Change is a stunningly beautiful collection. It’s clear that Rich has put his experience to good use, both personal and professional, and the world is richer for it. If you’re looking for something gentle to get lost in today, then look no further. You can listen to the whole of the EP below.
