leaving richmond is the instrumental electronic music project of exceptionally talented Los Angeles-based composer and producer Jordan Pier. For the past 13 years or so, he’s had success both as a recording artist and as a composer of music for a wide range of TV shows, documentaries, audio books and advertisements. Since 2010, he’s released numerous albums, EPs and singles, including his outstanding most recent album Visions in 2020 (read my review here).

Some of the notable TV programs his music has been featured on include VICE, True Crime (Oxygen), Killer Cases (A&E), Cold Case Files (A&E), Unidentified With Demi Lovato (Peacock), The Toys That Built America (History Channel) and Model America (MSNBC), to name but a few. His works have received widespread acclaim from both music critics and fans alike, with several of his songs garnering airplay on NPR and other radio stations around the world.

Now he’s back with a new EP Radiant Apparitions, featuring six captivating instrumental tracks he describes as “downtempo, chill electronica with dreamy guitars and beats to help you drift off into a relaxed state of mind.” That sounds about right, as he creates lush, magical soundscapes that transport us to exquisite faraway places, and it’s no wonder his compositions are in great demand. All the music was composed, recorded and mixed by Jordan, and mastered by Douglas Reynolds.

The EP opens with the title track “Radiant Apparitions“, an enchanting composition featuring a gorgeous mix of instruments and exotic textures that give the track an East Asian vibe. I love the glittery guitar notes, delicate keyboards, snappy percussion and trill-like synths that sound like a kind of harp or exotic string instrument. Next up is “Tomorrow Sorrow“, a bewitching contemplative composition with dreamy ethereal synths, highlighted by a hauntingly beautiful piano riff and subtle orchestral touches that create a tranquil atmospheric mood.

“My Eyes Your Eyes” has an exuberant retro 80s feel, with soaring melodic keyboards punctuated by somewhat harsher industrial synths, layered over an emphatic percussive beat and accompanied by whisps of a vocal chorus. And though I really like all six tracks, my favorite is “Some Other Sunset“, on the strength of its vibrant Western-flavored twangy guitars, bold percussion and sweeping cinematic synths. Like a lot of leaving richmond’s music, this would make a great soundtrack piece for a film or TV show.

“I Love You” features romantic synths and sparkling guitar notes that seem to meld together in a dreamy sonic dance, and artfully layered over a mesmerizing trip hop groove. The female vocals are from samples leaving richmond found in his sample library and melded into the track. Another favorite is the quietly intense closing track “A Gentle Passage of Time“, with its stunning piano work and lush, cinematic synths drenched in reverb. This track would also be a perfect accompaniment to a film soundtrack.

Radiant Apparitions is a wonderful EP, filled with six outstanding instrumental gems. As I previously noted in my review of his album Visions, leaving richmond’s talent for writing beautiful, compelling melodies is quite impressive, as are his considerable guitar, piano and synth programming skills.

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Find his music on Bandcamp / Spotify / Apple Music / Soundcloud / Amazon