In 2002, melodious British singer/songwriters were way too few and far between. Urban, dance and skater rock flooded the charts and the future of music looked pretty ordinary. That was until, the then, moderately unknown Dubliner Damien Rice emerged with his ever so fragile harmonies, creating a whole new world of acoustic folk and touching the mind and souls of many. The seven year wait for something to absorb us in the way that did is now well and truly over.

After a three year struggle, the sometimes Paris, sometimes Oxford resident Richard Walters’ debut album, The Animal, is finally ready for release. Saturated with harsh reality yet charming melody, the strength of the emotionally charged lyrics sometimes go unnoticed as the subtle blend of delicate guitar and cello wash over you.

The sensitive account of heartbreak in opener Brittle Bones and the tenderness of Weather Song are perfect ways to show case his extraordinary fragile vocal capability and set the tone for what will follow. All At Sea vulnerably builds from a softly strummed beginning to a strident cry expressing the need to be held while covered in romantic strings. The gratefully received reluctance to use heavy production only makes the misery more beautifully vivid.

Sheathed in despair, dissolution and utter regret, Walters hits rock bottom in the terribly moving title track, The Animal. Full of sorrow he tells a tragic tale of abusing a loved one with no justification and realising that the animal he talks about is actually himself. Yet amid the pain and desolation are flashes of hope and optimism, mostly found in the brilliantly brave Daniel Johnston cover True Love Will Find You In The End.

In an outrageously mature debut, his astonishingly confident multi-octave talent accompanied by graceful strings could stir the stoniest of hearts. This will surely give Walters the credit that he so rightfully deserves. For all its quietness, The Animal will leave a very long, dark, lasting impression.