The trouble with instrumental groups, especially modern ones, is that the music can just be plain dull. Impressive and "experimental" maybe, but essentially pretty boring. There are of course notable exceptions and you can definitely add Los Angeles duo Leaving Richmond to that list. When you read the phrase "ambient, atmospheric rock" you instantly begin to think of post-rock soundscapes, slow-building tracks and songs that will generally take about a dozen listens before they can be full appreciated. This is not the case with 'The Bird And The Submarine', and EP which, although devoid of lyrics, is high on both the tune and accessibility front.
There are seven tracks here and only one drags itself through the five minute barrier, and even that one, the title-track, does so using a fantastic psychedelic and upbeat template. It proves, as does the EP in general, that you don't need singing to create bundles of melody and a song that instantly connects. It's a soft start with 'Tiny Things', although even this is a likable tune, but when they let fly with the storming 'New Machinery' you know they've got their finger on the pulse. 'I'll Find Meaning, Just Not Today' is another melodic guitar trip that takes in different sounds, and 'The Aftermath Never Adds Up' provides another highlight. It's nice to see an instrumental group who are neither self-obsessed showmen or shunning actual songs in favour of "artistic merit".
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