Raleigh Ritchie's ‘DEAD ENDS AND DIVERSIONS’, A Bold New Project From a Multifaceted Creative

Human existence, loss, love; with each of these topics Raleigh Ritchie takes great care, weaving them together in this expansive, genre-traversing project.

Being both an acclaimed singer-songwriter, and actor, is no small feat. With highly-regarded performances in the TV series, Interview With A Vampire, and international behemoth, Game Of Thrones, Raleigh Ritchie, A.K.A Jacob Anderson, has proved his thespian talents time and again. With his debut album, You’re A Man Now, Boy and the full-length follow up, ANDY, in 2020, his musical persona Raleigh Ritchie has ingrained himself in the fabric of UK music.

Now with DEAD ENDS AND DIVERSIONS, Ritchie further cements his position as a music-maker of the highest calibre, exploring powerful emotions across a range of genres. Atmospheric production is a common thread, as seen in the opener ‘Love Is Dumb’. Possessing one of the stand-out choruses from the project, the lyrics are honest and vulnerable, with the central motif proving memorable.

‘Hyperventilating’ is another highlight, with Ritchie expertly personifying the most volatile of his emotions over an undulating instrumental, reminiscent of a Mura Masa production with its rising swells and spacious snares. Over ‘iLie’ Ritchie gets to storytelling, with tongue-in-cheek lyrics and clever wordplay. This track endears Ritchie to the listener, as well as divulging insight into the polymath’s world.

On the back end, we have a reimagining of previously released tracks from Ritchie’s debut album, all taken from his live streamed show at The 02. This serves as a valuable way of reframing some of his all-time-hits. Inviting a new wave of his audience back to what was a poignant moment in UK music, gives an added dimension to this new album, as well as a strong closing section.

Raleigh Ritchie, Jacob Anderson, the man with multiple avenues of creativity, has proven with DEAD ENDS AND DIVERSIONS, that he remains a singular talent. His sound remains his, but developed, with a clear care taken in how this collection of songs has been delivered to the audience. A fantastic entry into his discography, Raleigh Ritchie continues to deliver in every endeavour he lends a hand to.