There’s something about those meandering, supple, and smooth skater rock anthems that just makes me really enjoy them. The sheer laziness they’re able to evoke despite being intricate gives them this effortless lackadaisicalness that’s so inviting. Lonely Richard get that better than most.
Lonely Richard, helmed by Los Angeles-based songwriters Alex Carr and Will Kahn, emerges as a testament to a friendship spanning over two decades and a shared admiration for Elliott Smith’s “Either/Or.” Their music, characterized by atmospheric indie rock, strikes a delicate balance between nostalgia and innovation.
“‘Halfway House’ was born in the aftermath of a breakup with someone profoundly significant to me,” Alex reflects. “The song delves into the experience of being trapped in a liminal mental space, where overwhelming emotions overshadow rational thoughts.” Structurally, the track mirrors the sensation of being ensnared in an emotional feedback loop—it builds towards an impassioned climax, only to return to its initial state without resolution.
It’s raw, riveting, and also really heavy while still being an easy listen all at once.