I’m no stranger to Robert LaRoche’s songwriting. Longtime songwriter, solo artist, and frontman for The Sighs, LaRoche enjoys a well-deserved reputation as a songwriter’s songwriter who commands respect from his peers and has a devoted following stretching back years. I approached his new solo release Forevermore with excitement. My faith in his abilities proved well-placed as LaRoche serves up ten songs rich with the accumulated experiences of a lifetime and brimming with the same unique talents that have secured his place in the modern indie music scene. For those familiar with him, Forevermore is a reaffirmation of his gifts while, for newcomers, it gives them an excellent place to start their discovery of his work.

 Acoustic guitar is integral to this album and “Steal Your Heart” announces that from the first. This isn’t a folky singer-songwriter effort, however, as LaRoche’s decades-long experience fronting bands serves him well here and elsewhere. It’s a full-throated ensemble performance replete with satisfying changes and a lyric that veers between aching affection and borderline heartbreak. Zonder Kennedy’s guitar solo puts a fiery exclamation point on “Burn That Kingdom Down”, the album’s second song, but LaRoche’s lyrics are equally impressive. He writes and sings as if this were one of those songs that took a week or so to write and two decades to live. The sense of stakes is audible from beginning to end.

 

“Forevermore” is a strong title song. LaRoche aims for more of a mood piece with this cut and the diverse instrumentation he utilizes for the collection surfaces here in a pronounced way. He frames the unattainable object of LaRoche’s desire at the heart of this song in tasteful poetic lyrics that he’s well suited for conveying with his voice. Vocal harmonies play an important role in fleshing out many of Forevermore’s songs and sweeten the obvious vulnerability underlying a song such as “Safter Inside”. It adopts the same semi-brisk pace as many of the release’s other songs but never feels rushed.

He serves up a nuanced song about lost love with “Temporary Virtue” and mature listeners will appreciate his unique take on the subject. There’s heartache and regret galore throughout this lyric. LaRoche and the sensitive arrangement conspire well to communicate those emotions. It lays his heart bare in a more direct fashion, at least musically than some of the preceding songs while being no less effective. The rueful “Traitorous Heart” gains a lot of traction from the contrasting laid back character of its arrangement and LaRoche’s scornful lyrics. He lays out betrayal and undermining behavior in a matter of fact manner. There are hints of the underlying resentment, however, provided by the song’s electric guitar passages.

This is a thoroughly successful release from beginning to end. Robert LaRoche deserves fulsome praise for his ability to write about a subject as old as song itself, love, in such an individualistic fashion. He isn’t remaking the songwriting wheel with Forevermore, but he pours old wine into new bottles with a skillfulness that deserves our applause and attention. 

Jamie Morse

Few things in life can quite capture the depth and breadth of human emotion as beautifully as country music. In the hands of an adept musician, a simple melody can paint a vivid picture, stirring within us feelings that words alone never could. So, are you ready to kick up your boots and embark on a soulful journey? Today, we are turning the spotlight on indie country music legend, Richard Lynch, and his latest single “Current Conditions.”

=Richard Lynch is a name that resonates powerfully within the world of indie and traditional country music. Spanning over four decades, his illustrious career is a testament to his unyielding dedication and exceptional talent. From Waynesville, Ohio to the heart of Nashville, Richard Lynch’s music has touched hearts across the nation and beyond.

With countless hits up his sleeve, his influence in country music is undeniably profound. His reach is not just limited to the domestic market, but extends to international sales and radio airplay charts as well. His music has graced Billboard Magazine, Taste Of Country, The Boot, and many others. Lynch hasn’t shied away from collaborations either, having recorded popular duets with legendary artists like Ronnie McDowell, Leona Williams, and Grammy Winner, Rhonda Vincent.

Besides being an accomplished musician, Richard Lynch is a man of many talents. He is the proud owner of Keepin’ It Country Farm in Waynesville, Ohio and co-founder of Love Tattoo Foundation dedicated to assisting veterans. Truly, Richard Lynch embodies the true spirit of country music – authenticity, tradition, and, above all else, heart.

“Current Conditions” isn’t just a song; it’s a heartfelt narrative that unfolds beautifully through Richard Lynch’s poignant lyrics and masterful musicianship. This single takes listeners on an emotionally intense journey, exploring the painful throes of a relationship on the verge of dissolution.

At its core, “Current Conditions” is a heartbreaking tale of infidelity. It also delves into the raw reality and eroding nature of love. Lynch’s lyrics are a heartfelt confession painted with vivid imagery. There’s an undeniable poignancy and authenticity to his words, making the message all the more resonant with listeners. The song’s acoustic backdrop sets the tone while the percussion enriches the composition, making it a truly captivating listen.

Richard Lynch’s brand of country music is rooted in tradition, and “Current Conditions” is no exception. The lyrics of the song are a moving portrait of love and loss – they are raw, real, and achingly beautiful. Each word is carefully chosen, each phrase meticulously crafted, to deliver an emotional punch that hits you square in the heart.

The instrumentals of “Current Conditions” are poetic in their own right. The acoustic guitar gently underscores the narrative, evoking a sense of melancholy that lingers long after the song ends. The percussion adds a layer of depth and richness to the overall composition, further enhancing the emotional intensity of the song.

His voice is an instrument unto itself. Richard Lynch’s passionate vocals breathe life into the song, his delivery marked by raw emotion and vulnerability. As he unravels the story of a crumbling relationship, you can’t help but be drawn in, hanging onto every word.

In a world increasingly dominated by synthetic beats and auto-tuned voices, the authenticity of traditional country music like Richard Lynch’s is a breath of fresh air. There’s something deeply comforting in its familiarity, a sense of home that tugs at your heartstrings.

“Current Conditions” is a shining example of Richard Lynch’s remarkable ability to tap into common human experiences and express them musically. It’s the kind of song that doesn’t just make you listen, it makes you feel. And that, perhaps, is the true power of country music.

Country music is not merely a genre; it is a language of the heart. It holds a mirror to our very souls, reflecting our joy and sorrow, love and loss, triumph and despair. It is the voice of the common man, a symphony of the human spirit. And artists like Richard Lynch keep this tradition alive, one heartfelt song at a time.

So here’s to Richard Lynch, a beacon of traditional country music. His songs, like “Current Conditions,” will keep the heart of country music beating for years to come.

Tammy Jo Slinger