Paycheck

Released in May 2022, Paycheck serves as a pivotal entry in Tommy Richman's discography, bridging his early experimental tendencies with the funk-infused R&B that would later lead to his mainstream breakthrough. The EP is characterized by its brief but high-impact runtime, consisting of four tracks that showcase a unique vocal approach: a relentless, high-register falsetto that functions as both a melodic and rhythmic element. Sonically, the project leans heavily into 'analog warmth' and 'tape saturation,' giving the digital production a tactile, dusty quality. The track titles, particularly 'Chrono Trigger,' hint at a digital-native nostalgia, referencing 90s gaming culture while the music itself pushes forward into a genre-blurring space between indie-pop, R&B, and rap. Critical reception among underground circles highlighted Richman's ability to make 'ugly' or distorted sounds feel incredibly catchy and accessible.