EP review: Richard Batty – Loaded Gun

EP REVIEW

Artist – Richard Batty

EP – Loaded Gun

Release date – 18th June 2015

Reviewer – Graham Holland

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UPDATE – SEPTEMBER 2021

Richard Batty is now performing under the name Ambro River.

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I’d been aware of the name Richard Batty for some time but hadn’t heard any of his music until I managed to catch part of his solo set at the Unity’s Liverpool Acoustic Festival back in February. I was impressed then and having listened to his new EP Loaded Gun (EP? Mini album? What is the difference?) I’m even more impressed.

Good Weather is a catchy, radio-friendly opener that starts with vocals and guitar before the strings and the rest of the band kick in. Batty utilises a combination of acoustic guitar, electric guitar, keyboard, percussion, and strings to deliver confident songs such as the uplifting Higher Ground and the jaunty Give It Heart.

A couple of departures from this formula in terms of style include title track Loaded Gun, a moody affair in a minor key where the electric guitar takes the lead, helped with rolling cymbals, haunting string arrangement and military drum refrain. The beautiful, piano-based ballad Something In The Atmosphere is my favourite song and the perfect way to close the EP.

Loaded Gun is a well-crafted collection of seven songs from one of Liverpool’s hidden gems and perfectly showcases singer-songwriter Batty’s polished style of acoustic-driven pop.

Loaded Gun EP is available to buy from iTunes and Amazon, and can be streamed on Spotify.

© 2015 Graham Holland – Liverpool Acoustic

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Richard Batty / Ambro River

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