Canadian based Musician, and Visual Artist, Rick Christian, has just released what may go on to be known as the Covid chronicles. The New Normal is an EP, that is inspired by and centered around, the great 2020 shutdown. This is the first full length effort by Christian, so tackling a concept album is admirable, if not ill advised. Unless of course, the concept album in question is based around a topic that is universally digestible. In some ways, it’s obvious this is Rick Christian’s debut, in other ways it’s a blow away effort that should be lauded for its meticulous attention to detail and compositional sensibility.
The New Normal is a summation of Electronica, Indie Alternative and assorted Contemporary stylings. In some ways, it plays like a rendering of what 2021 would sound like if it were recorded by someone in 1984. As odd of an affront as that assessment may seem, it’s actually a compliment. Rick Christian has created his own unique realm, while reflecting and reacting to true life, which is a hallmark of great art. He took a slight gamble by centering his record around a topic most people would probably like to hear less about, but it seems to have paid off.
At 4:04, “Outside Looking In” is the longest track on The New Normal. It has a lengthy intro, which gives way to one of Christian’s more ominous sounding performances. On the downside/looking up. This is the album closer, and it signifies that we’ve arrived to the aftermath of the once inconceivable. Christian looks around and surveys the landscape of an eternally altered reality, with a tired, and cautiously relieved spirit. Remove your muzzle/feel freedom again.
The new normal
Listen to The new normal on Spotify. Rick Christian · Album · 2021 · 7 songs.
“Holiday In Covid” is where Rick Christian turns up the intensity. With acid soaked vocals and metallic overtones, Christian rages on about the oppressive state of a forced quarantine. He mirrors the ensuing bouts of meltdowns many of us likely experienced. I can’t trust the system anymore/where were you when we locked the doors. Christian doesn’t say a lot on this one, but he says enough.
The more I listen to The New Normal, the more I come to the conclusion that it is undeniably vital. It’s one of those records that you discover, and aren’t really sure how you feel about it at first, because it is so unprocessed. It’s a bit like discovering Joy Division for the first time; you know it’s good, but you can’t fully articulate why. But alas, one day it all makes complete sense to you. Rick Christian may be new to the scene, but he certainly packed a fully stocked bag, and plans on staying awhile. It appears his inclusion into the modern artistic ecosystem is going to make things considerably more interesting, and a lot less normal.
Clay Burton