Matthew James Richards – ‘Reflections’

Stirring instrumentation plays consistently throughout Reflections, an album from Matthew James Richards with an array of illuminating orchestral beauty. The Wolverhampton, England-based artist incorporates a wide arsenal of sounds — from charismatic electric guitar to emotive piano and effervescent strings, within a radiant overall tonal disposition. Reflections is a testament to the enveloping songwriting and musicianship of Richards, who began playing piano at age 5.

Reflections specifically describes the process of Richards losing his sight, which began at the age of 13. “The tracks on this album depict the happy times and also the sad moments,” he explains. “This sums up reflections. A journey that is still ongoing and continuing.” Such examples of melancholy are evident on a track like “Forgotten Dreams,” where solemn keys and synths tout a sense of ’80s nostalgia within a glistening arrival into more bursting moments of hope. “Before the Storm” also excels in its rainfall-like ambience and swell into grandiose invigoration.

Reflections is a powerful output from Matthew James Richards, impressing consistently — and especially on “Summer Breeze,” where prancing piano and woodwind touches converge with immersive sophistication. The album is a showcase in lovely instrumentation and songwriting.

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This and other tracks featured this month can be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Obscure Ambient’ Spotify playlist.

We discovered this release via MusoSoup, as part of the artist’s promotional campaign.