Justin Mark Richards - ‘Wildfire’ review: an enchanting solo EP to ignite your heart
Justin Mark Richards
Fans of Justin Mark Richards can join me in utter delight, as earlier this summer we were (first) painstakingly teased then (finally) welcomed to his latest artistic endeavour – the mesmerising solo EP, Wildfire. A tantalising fusion of western guitar twang, evocative lyrics, and instrumental ambience, this 6-track collection is a testament to Richards' musical evolution and his ability to craft soul-stirring melodies.
Long-time and ardent fans of Richards' will quickly recognise within the EP the themes and tones he’s been exploring and developing for the better part of the last decade. From Brighten to solo ventures, or more recently as the touring guitarist for Dan + Shay, it’s clear that a series of distinct stories (aka every album and EP we’ve heard thus far) has been brewing within Richards this whole time.
Wildfire takes listeners on a journey of love, from relationship beginning to neverending. The EP opens with the title-track “Wildfire”, the first single teased on Instagram featuring only a western themed sketch (we now know to be the album artwork) and a few seconds instrumental clip. I’ll tell you, when that appeared on my feed early one Saturday morning in May, my heart nearly stopped. In a mere 22 seconds, Richards captured an intangible sense of deep longing and nostalgia; an undercurrent through this entire collection of work.
In its entirety, the song explores an intimate story of fascination for the independent woman with a “wildfire”-esque spirit. Perhaps the girl we all hope to be, be with, or even just be near. An utterly mesmerising track, there’s something in the combination of finger picking and slide guitar that is, as I hinted to, achingly nostalgic. There’s something familiar. Like a quiet bonfire in the middle of nowhere on a summer evening with a new and innocent love.
An infatuated love becomes one of longing in “Right at Home”, echoed by the strings and almost haunting harmonising vocalisations. “One More Day With Her” progresses us to a place of security, where infatuation and longing become a solid and confident love; something we feel in the music which picks up pace to a gentle dance. Our protagonist is still infatuated, but far more sure-footed. And the love story culminates in the wildly romantic “My Whole World”.
But the story doesn’t end at the wedding or the kid. I said it was a love story to neverending, captured by a notable gem within the EP, the ballad version of "Getting Old". Originally featured on Brighten's self-titled album released in 2017, this stripped down version shows the song at its most true, where even previous acoustic releases couldn’t reach. This rendition exposes the song that was always meant to be. On a foundation of simple piano, a duo of acoustic guitars layer soft embellishment that lets the vocals sing in a way we haven’t heard before. Almost like a lullaby, it closes our love story.
And because no EP is truly complete without the quintessential acoustic number to fully close the collection, Richards shares “Shorter Every Day”. Removing the cavernous, atmospheric reverb present on the rest of the EP, this is the most stripped back on the record. Where every other song on the EP is about a relationship, or a person, this song is the conversation we all need to remember to have with ourselves. A reminder to take your friend along when you visit your favourite sycamore tree, call your loved ones, “go after the life you imagine” and “never let a second go to waste”.
Wildfire will transport you to a realm where love is timeless. Richards' gift for crafting melodies that linger has created a place where emotions are profound and every moment is the most romantic, and calmly centred, you’ll ever experience.
In essence, Wildfire stands as another brilliant chapter in Justin Mark Richards' musical narrative. I think, this is the “Justin Mark Richards” he’s at last given himself permission to be - the most honest and open portrayal that we ardent listeners always knew could be.
Wildfire is available to stream now. Fingers crossed we’ll someday get a release on vinyl. We’re not in distribution yet, but we’d figure it out for this ;)
