Tom Read Releases 'Reorient EP' Following 4 Successful Singles
After the success of 2018's 'Lament EP', Tom Read returns with a fresh new EP including critically acclaimed singles 'Borderless', 'Falling' and 'Search The World'. 'Reorient EP' is available now in partnership with Bespoke Records.
"I'm at the most authentic and comfortable that I’ve ever been as an artist- both lyrically and sonically. Insecurity and doubt can plague you as a creative person, so it feels great to really know who I am and be confident in that", explains Tom Read.
After the building momentum of 4 singles, Tom Read releases the highly anticipated 'Reorient EP' (6th March 2020) amidst a gathering storm of press interest- including multiple Spotify Editorial playlist placements (New Music Friday Christian for both 'Borderless' and 'Search The World') and radio play ('Falling' UCB2 playlist, 'Search the World' UCB1 main playlist).
The writing quality of the project is only strengthened through Tom’s collaborators, including Sam Bailey (Soul Survivor, HTB Worship), Josh Gauton (‘Stir A Passion’, Worship Central) and Lauren Harris and Jamie Thomson from St Aldates Worship . It’s also validated by covers of the EP songs already recorded and released- ‘You Restore My Soul’ by New Wine Worship (and featuring on Integrity’s Ultimate Worship series), ‘Thank You’ ( Josh Gauton ) and ‘Search The World’ ( St Aldates Worship ). As ever, Tom has brought his own slant to these songs- pushing the musical barriers and blurring what it means to be in the ‘worship‘ genre. The EP is a very bold sonic expressionroaring guitars and synths intertwine over insistent drums, stretching intimate ballads and pop hits alongside anthemic anthems. It sits on the ‘alternative/indie’ spectrum, though even that isn’t the best descriptor, in Tom’s own words- “ I think it’s getting harder and harder to describe music styles. Genres are so fluid and there’s so much crossover happening between different genres that it kind of doesn’t matter as much anymore. I’ve always thought that really great music transcends genres anyway ”.
"The title REORIENT is inspired by a book by Walter Brueggemann that offers a framework for understanding the Psalms" Tom expands. "He views the Psalms in three main categories: Orientation, Disorientation, and Reorientation. The songs on the Lament EP all fell within the ‘Disorientation’ category, and focused on finding God in the pain, suffering, and mundaneness of life. With this new EP, I felt like I wanted to continue on that journey of coming out of Lament and disorientation, and into reorientation. It’s almost as if my life and faith is righting itself after being capsized. The songs on this EP tell that story in different ways."
Tom has been outputting fresh creativity for the church for over a decade. 'Lament EP' garnered widespread critical acclaim, emphasised by editorial placements on Spotify’s Worship Now and Top Christian playlists - the project totalling over 300k streams to date.
'Reorient EP' was produced by Henry Marsden (Worship Central, Jake Isaac), mixed by Jonny Bird (Martin Smith, Bright City) and mastered by Drew Lavyne at All Digital Mastering.
Henry Marsden, Producer, said "Reorient EP is a perfect followup to the critic’s favourite, Tom’s 2018 Lament EP. Expounding a different perspective across this project- Tom has yet again demonstrated his persistence in not settling for ‘average’ across any realm. Pushing sonic boundaries (particularly within the ‘worship/praise’ genre) whilst delving deep in lyrical questioning has produced another fantastic set of songs- and a set that listeners will find new layers to on every listen. Can’t wait to hear what the next phase is!"
