Tom Richardson - Pockets EP

Sometimes, it's important to slow down. Whether that's at work, at home, or anywhere you feel the need to stop and take stock of life.  Because, let's face it, the pace of life is often bewildering. Sometimes, we simply need to be honest about how life takes its toll. However, it is important not to dwell on the past, as this can have the tendency to haunt you….or so it seems.

After touring in an array of countries and traversing a number of continents over the years, Australian singer-songwriter Tom Richardson has built up a respectable collection of songs that speak of love, loss and, primarily, of taking the time to review life from a distance. Richardson's music, rooted in a mixture of traditional blues and acoustic melodic rock, radiates warmth and tenderness, whilst complimenting the fragility of his vocals. The title of his latest release, Pockets, embodies the mentality of reflection and conjures the idea of excess baggage, or a hidden burden that he has had to bear.

For instance, in 'Mistakes & Ladders', a slow waltz-like ballad, Richardson speaks of a failed relationship, during its aftermath. This subject matter may seem like a tired cliché for a singer-songwriter to attempt.  However, Richardson explains in the song's chorus that he doesn't feel regret and actually ponders why he isn’t more remorseful, as you might expect, given the circumstances. He also suggests that the break up was more of a burden on the respective other party, “Nobody's gonna hold like I hold you/ Nobody's gonna know like I do/ And nobody's gonna miss you, in the way that I should”. This perspective can only truly be achieved through the benefits of hindsight and distance.

The EP is peppered with moments of clarity and reflection, as Richardson also explores the concept of pure freedom and release.  The slightly more up-tempo title track 'Pockets' speaks of the feeling of abandonment and, perhaps, the clarity that comes with reaching one's own potential. Like when Richardson states,“My clothes, they have no pockets/ Makes me as I am free/ They were given to me by a man/ Who in his hands/ Held everything that he needs.”, which paints the picture of liberty in its purest form.

Pockets concludes on 'Song For Jens'; an immensely tender song, which finds Richardson lamenting the loss of a loved one.  The song acts as a memorial to all loved ones who have been lost, and interestingly presents the notion that there are no benefits to seeking reflection on matters from the past, such as love, as this is in fact time that is wasted.
This latest release from Tom Richardson really displays his maturity as a songwriter and offers the listener a credible insight into the true feelings and perspectives of someone who has lived, and who intends to keep on living and striving, towards a point of pure clarity. Something we can all achieve, if we just slow down, perhaps?...