Richie Lawrence - Moving at the Speed of Trees (2024)

‘Moving at the Speed of Trees’ is Richie Lawrence’s fourth solo album. Known for his piano playing and thoughtful lyrics, Lawrence delivers a blend of profundity and whimsy across the album’s twelve tracks. The original intention for the album was for it to be co-produced by Paul Lacques (I See Hawks in L.A.), but sadly, he died at the beginning of 2024. Despite this loss, his creative touch is still present in two songs that he co-wrote (‘Leaving You’ and ‘The Wonderful Waltz’). Collaboration is a key element of the album, most notably with Lawrence’s wife, Katie Thomas, who co-writes one song and provides vocals on a number of tracks.

The album begins with ‘On the Boat’ which musically comes across almost like a child’s lullaby. However, this belies the depth and sadness of the lyrics. “I’d rather seal my heart than steal another day/Take what’s mine and stow myself away”, sings Lawrence and this sets the emotional tone of the album. Throughout the album, Lawrence seems to find a path between integrity and despair: the album is full of regret and reflects on dreams that have not been fulfilled, but there is also hope. Hope for future generations but also the hope found in true love. On ‘I Believe in You’ Lawrence shares the tender sentiment, “There’s nothing I can do/Save share my love with you/And let you find your way in this/a world defined by hope”, which feels a fitting and positive end to an album which also deals with old age and infidelity. Musically, Lawrence mirrors the tone of the lyrics too, which means the album draws from a whole range of musical styles. At the heart of this, however, is Lawrence’s piano, which perhaps has its greatest impact on songs like ‘The Poetry of Lust’. Throughout the album it’s supported by warm guitar lines, a touch of pedal steel and subtle, occasional accordion playing.

Lawrence has invited the listener to move at the speed of trees. If the world is moving too fast, his journey is one well worth taking.