At JLTT HQ we received a polite message from singer-songwriter Richard Batty who asked us to review his brand new ‘The Bicycle Compass’ EP and that is exactly what we are going to do.

Batty is based in Liverpool, United Kingdom and New York City, United States of America and regularly performs at the legendary Cavern Club in Liverpool as a resident acoustic artist. In addition, he already has a released his debut EP ‘Loaded Gun’ which was recorded at Whitewood Studios, Liverpool, and mastered at Abbey Road Studios, London.

Opener ‘Solid As A Rock’ is not the well-known Ashford & Simpson tune but an original composition which has a bright electric and acoustic guitar intro alongside the drums. The song sounds like a B-side by The Hollies at times with his clear vocals throughout. A strong introduction imho.

‘Keep It Together’ is next on the tracklist with melodic piano and vocal setting the scene before electronic drums and sampled horns add slick production values. A catchy chorus with a dash of hand clapping is guaranteed on this number but it has a reality television ‘Winners Song’ vibe with my mind generating pictures of the stage set parting to unveil a silky smooth choir in robes and blinding lights as the tune draws to a close. He has clearly been making mental notes re song structure though and that effort is abundantly clear on this.

‘Turn Of Speed’ features jangly guitar and as a listener I think “Someone likes Jason Mraz!” as the pleasant spring-heeled beat glides through. If you enjoy Ricky Ross (Deacon Blue) or the dulcet tones of Richard Marx then this may be up your street.

Penultimate number ‘Sunday Blues’ has emotive lyrics and a tune which is very Rick Astley in construction thus making it the most radio-friendly song on this collection.

Closer ‘Deeply’ is another slice of mainstream pop well-crafted and insistent, almost a modern Neil Sedaka with the voice and piano.

In conclusion, ‘The Bicycle Compass’ EP presents potentially appealing examples of contemporary songwriting, rooted in classic Brill Building songsmithery. There has always been a place for this kind of material and any listener taking to Richard Batty’s voice will find this collection a durable listen.

Glenn Sargeant