Alt-pop songster and Melbourne local Tom Lee-Richards has just released his latest offering ‘The Wearing Kind’ in conjunction with acclaimed producer Countbounce, with an upcoming single launch and video preview following this coming Thursday 21st at Shebeen. ‘The Wearing Kind’ is a significant departure from Lee-Richards’ earlier offerings, and the collaboration with Countbounce (AKA composer Pip Norman) accords the track an intriguing futuristic RnB feel. This is unsurprising considering Countbounce’s track record of collaborations (Dan Sultan, Urthboy, Gossling, PEZ, Oh Mercy and countless more), with a gentle contemporary RnB pop aesthetic crossing over to this latest offering with ‘The Wearing Kind’.
Introduced by soft, soul-searching vocals and calypso-style clean guitar riffs, warm synth strings lull the listener into a false sense of soft, folk-infused calm. Lee-Richards croons of lost love and miseducation – ‘we’re both right/and there’s nothing left to learn’, but a sense of content is still evident. Yet before long, the ear is launched into an upbeat syncopated pattering of RnB beats reminiscent of Radiohead with airy layers of vocals surrounding (think Nicolas Jaar, James Blake) and an enchanting soundscape of vocal hooks and synth breaks ensues.
The collaboration on ‘The Wearing Kind’ extended to a conceptual partnership with choreographer Gregory Lorenzutti and director Chase Burns Lee-Richards took to the streets with six professional dancers to film the video for the new track. In true unconventional form, Lee-Richards’ debut single was premiered via choreographed dance/street installations. The official video unveiling has yet to be announced, but a special teaser edit of ‘The Wearing Kind’ music video will be screened for the first time on Thursday 21st May.
The single launch kicks off this Thursday May 21 at Shebeen at 7.30pm with supports from Monique Shelford, Canary and Mirando. Tickets are $12 on the door or get your early bird tix here.
Check out ‘The Wearing Kind Project’ video teaser below:
