BY: LILLY GOODMAN, STAFF WRITER
Album cover @tommyrichan.png on Instagram
The lush odyssey of Tommy Richman’s “Coyote” was released on Sept. 27, 2023.
Pulling the listener in from the first note of the first track, the debut album creates a liminal soundscape. With the shimmering use of synths, velvety bass lines and busy vocals, the album is true to Richman’s signature sound while spinning something positively unfamiliar. Richman expertly fuses R&B, disco and indie pop inside of his 36-minute debut album.
“ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM” introduces the album with the ethereal tones of a muffled synthesizer, unexpectedly pairing well with the gospel-rooting vocals. This complex duo adds a layer of alluring depth, immediately pulling the listener into the feel of the album.
Experimenting with varied percussion, his vocals stay anchored in one octave. While rebellion is a common theme in Richman’s music, “ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM” takes a more introspective turn. The lyrics emphasize unity and the need for support. The seamless outro transitions into the next track, enhancing the album’s flow.
Featuring Trevor Spitta and Zachary Moon, “TENNESSEE” possesses the apathetic, cool demeanor that defines some of Richman’s music. Sailing from liminal environments and celestial grooves to diving headfirst into hip-hop, this track contributes to the vast array of genres Richman showcases inside his sound. Solidifying the song’s swagger, Trevor Spitta skillfully delivers bars that lace with the hypnotic beat. Zachary Moon is featured for a second time in Richman’s discography, his first appearance being on “GLOCK 25” from Richman’s EP, released in September of 2023. Moon sculpts a different persona to himself inside Richman’s music, trading dreamy vocals for a hollow-sounding rap. Together, the three artists create a track that is both laid back and undeniably magnetic.
Featuring Paco, “LETTERMAN” is a standout track that showcases Richman’s exploration into new territory, experimenting with sleepy vocal styles that push the boundaries of his already dynamic sound. The snappy, contagious bassline immediately grabs the listener’s attention, serving as the track’s driving force and giving it an infectious groove that feels reminiscent of Steve Lacy’s “Dark Red.”
Richman displays a vocal accent throughout, redistributing a layer of unpredictability that gives the song an edge while still feeling distinctly his.
The shift from Richman to Paco brings a fresh, playful energy, contrasting with the smooth, rhythmic base. It’s a departure from his usual sound, yet keeps his signature charm, all anchored by a funky bassline that begs for head bobbing.
The fact that “seems like time moves forever” is titled in all lowercase makes it stand out vibrantly against the other capitalized tracks on “Coyote.” Co-produced by Curtis Waters, the song opens with a commercial-like intro before orbiting a skater-funk sound, giving it an unexpected edge. The spacey and familiar soundscape that follows wraps the album up with what it began: ethereal and liminalism, drifting through an almost dreamlike middle section. The song narrows its focus to a sharp, pinpointed climax. As mynameisntjack’s rap enters, it implements a small amount of chaos into the otherwise organized course, adding a layer of spontaneity to the track. The song’s balance between loose, funky rhythms and controlled structure highlights Richman’s knack for creating a sound that feels effortless yet meticulously crafted.
Blurring evocative statements with a sonic landscape, “Coyote” captures Tommy Richman’s evolution, perhaps ahead of his time. He effortlessly merges genres and moods into a cohesive and captivating composition. Each track offers its own distinct sound but contributes to the energetic foundation on which Richman built the album. His experimentation with vocal styles, shifting percussion patterns, and snapping bass lines force the listener to stay tuned through every song.
“Coyote” is a bold and nostalgic project that highlights versatility and cements Richman’s place as a unique voice in modern music.
goodmaln24@bonaventure.edu
