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Richard Leschen: New Sun Rising

Froms bugs to bluegrass. A very clean and tidy selection of stories,
well written, earthy and original. Recorded in Wellington’s Braeburn
Studios, Leschen adds a third album to the Heavy Waters record label.
As a professional entomologist (NZ beetle studies), his eye for detail
shines with interesting and intellingent lyrics that draw from his
American history and present life and perspective as a NZ resident. A
good listening album full of life stories and mixed landscapes in the
vein of Tony Joe White. Leschen’s clear voice upheld by folk guitar
does seem a bit naive at times, sincere though and reminiscent of Neil
Young or NZ band Waves. Stark naked acoustic guitar can risk making it
feel a bit samey, yet it’s a good player that takes simple technique
and opens your inner ear to what’s being sung. Torch Of Freedom opens
with an observant eye for the land and country. Young Man Down seems
to speak of the common troubles poverty gives youth with no hope. All
tracks have a story from the heart worth hearing.

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