5 Track EP 'FWD:' by Rick West is Poetry in Lyrics and Sound
Nashville, TN artist Rick West has been putting music out on streaming platforms since 2018. After taking a dive into his catalog, we've decided it was a great idea to introduce the readers to a new ace in the often-overlooked Indie scene in Nashville. His latest release, "FWD:" is the perfect way to get familiar with his poetry through lyrics, sound, and visuals.
The EP was released back in 2019, but the themes make it relevant now. The body of work's themes ranges from self progression through introspection to see the big picture in life. It touches on personal responsibility, courage, purpose, and relationship to the world around us. What really caught our attention was the thoughtfulness in the composition of both the lyrics and instruments.
Each song is written with less structure than traditional arrangement formats. Thus agreeing with the theme of the work on the chaos of taking a journey of self-discovery. Each track is a step forward on the journey of personal growth that finally resolves with 'Note 2 Self'. The final song serves as a reminder that growing pains are not permanent, and that we will always be growing in life if we choose to.
Musically, Rick has found a way to accentuate the greatness of the 70s soft rock with modern indie rock. His musical focus lies in the forwardness of crispy guitar licks that embody the essence of bands like The Doobie Brothers. He isn't afraid to switch it up and does so on the transition track 'Otherwise' where the melody is led by colorful keys.
West also released an accompanying video with the song 'Pilot' that drives home everything mentioned above. The lyrics for the song are serious in meaning and pack a punch to the face reminding us that we are the pilot of our lives. It encompasses the carefree elements of being a child being with shots in a playground and fields. The visual is discreet in drawing parallels to the freedom and curiosity about life that children carry with them. Maybe we should all listen to Rick West EP and go back to loving life through a childlike lens. Well done, Rick West. Nuance looks forward to more music.