Mark my words, listening to just this one track is all you need to be completely sold on RIVVRS. Pressing play on ‘Let It Die’, the latest single from forthcoming album Cosmic Dream, is like a tall dark stranger walking into town in the wild west, with an air of mystique and the road-hardened stare of a man who’s seen too much. A track about knowing when to cut loose those who are dragging you down, and not dwelling on those who messed you around whom you’d be better off without, ‘Let It Die’ shares its potent and relatable message with such superb charm and character. With its heavy stomp, understated bluesy riffs, and those suave gritty vocals, this new song from Californian native Brandon Zahursky is a timeless slice of Americana that is not to be missed.
top tracks
Top Tracks: Augustus James – The Hardest Part
Some genres are perfectly suited to a certain mood, but personally I see Americana as an erstwhile companion that’s always welcome whatever the occasion. Certainly a track such as ‘The Hardest Part’, taken from Augustus James’ debut EP Nora, would be equally at home while cruising down an open road with the sun streaming down, or while watching the rain against the window while you ponder your place in the world. While carrying all the beloved Americana hallmarks we’ve come to expect, the warm understated brass and soothing harmonies make this new track stand out from the crowd. ‘The Hardest Part’ is the kind of track that you can make memories to and can consider to be more than just music, but a lifelong friend.
Top Tracks: Charlotte Enegren – Same Old Joe
Tracks like ‘Same Old Joe’ are among the most difficult to write about, as when all the instruments are working together in perfect harmony it is difficult to pick out your favourite moments. On this new single from Swedish singer/songwriter Charlotte Enegren, taken from her upcoming debut EP Mirror Lights, all the instruments are on a sure and equal footing; from the expressive rhythm section, to the warm ambience of the brass, to the jazzy piano interlude. But all of these elements quite clearly need to be working together to stand any chance of matching the most impressive instrument of all: Charlotte’s astounding voice. An assured blend of jazz, soul and pop stylings, I’m sure you’ll agree it’s one of the most impressive and memorable vocal performances to have ever graced the site. With a voice like that, Charlotte’s potential for greatness knows no bounds.
Top Tracks: Matthew Gordon Price – Vixen Queen
Songs like ‘Vixen Queen’ are special in many ways, but perhaps the most telling of all for me is the sense of wanderlust that they ignite. Listening to this new single from alt folk troubadour Matthew Gordon Price, taken from his new EP Rivalry, I can’t help but picture hiking with friends along some woodland trail, not a care in the world about the destination, just revelling in the journey as the sun streams through the canopy. It’s the kind of song that inspires adventure and leaves you longing to leave your old life behind in search of new frontiers. ‘Vixen Queen’ has a timeless feel that is sure to warm your heart. Bringing together the rustic charm of The Felice Brothers, the lush instrumentation of First Aid Kit, and the passionate vocals of Glen Hansard, Matthew’s sublime new single is one adventure that is not to be missed.
Top Tracks: Veladraco – Coldest Winter Day
We’ve all done it: sat on public transport, rain falling upon the window as you look out into the world, listening to a song you’re so completely absorbed in that you forget everything else exists. When that perfect song comes up at the perfect time it feels like you’re at the centre of a movie and are filming some bittersweet montage where you reflect on all that’s happened, and all that’s still to come. This cinematic new single from South African band Veladraco is just such a song. Walking a fine line between introspective and anthemic, it’s a song to hold you up and keep you moving forward when you just don’t know how to feel anymore. Wherever your journey leads, whatever comes next in your story, ‘Coldest Winter Day’ is just the companion you need.
Top Tracks: Tancred – Reviews
‘Reviews’ is my first experience of Tancred, but it certainly won’t be the last. This first single from forthcoming album Nightstand, out 1st June, showcases an astounding interplay of light and shade. With the imposing bass tones and sombre, introspective lyricism juxtaposed against bright flashes of indie guitar and keyboards, and infectious pop melodies, this track is a paragon of bittersweet brilliance. There are two whole worlds captured here in a mere three minutes, the perfect musical yin and yang. The music is equal parts lush and lo-fi, and the contrast between the downcast lyrics of the verses to the heartwarming hints of optimism in the chorus says something of the two sides at war within all of us. Both the storm cloud and the silver lining, this is truly a song for every occasion.
Top Tracks: Dessie Magee – Bandit
With a voice so gritty as to wear down your defences and warm even the coldest of hearts, Irish singer/songwriter Dessie Magee leaves a lasting impression with his new track ‘Bandit’. From its gentle acoustic origins it soon builds towards a cathartic climax that reminds me of Seafret’s ‘Oceans’. Yet even as the track expands layer by layer, delving beyond its folk beginnings into a more rock orientated release, Dessie’s unique vocals remain the finest instrument on display. Tackling the important subject of mental health, and how we’re pressured into keeping our pain bottled up to fester within by society, makes ‘Bandit’ all the more compelling. Any song that shares such an important message is worth sharing, but when a performance is as powerful as this, where you can feel an artist pour their very soul into their work, you know you have something special that needs to be heard.
Top Tracks: Rich Krueger – The Gospel According To Carl
There’s something incredibly compelling about a song that can tell a story, and while dystopian futures and deals with the devil are all well and good, often the best tales (if told well) are about ordinary people. In ‘The Gospel According To Carl’, taken from Rich’s debut album Life Ain’t That Long, we follow the downfall of a crooked used car salesman as he has a crisis of faith, finds a conscience, and subsequently loses all his ill-gotten gains. To sum up Carl’s story in one sentence though does this song a great disservice, as there are scores of Oscar-winning movies that lack the kind of depth and character development that this song excels in. With the droll humour and brilliant storytelling of Randy Newman, and the soulful passionate delivery of Van Morrison, Rich Krueger can weave wonderful tales with the best of them.
Top Tracks: Anne Haight – Clarity
This new song from Berlin based songwriter Anne Haight really lives up to its name. ‘Clarity’, the title track from her new acoustic EP, is as clear and pure as the finest crystal. Her angelic vocals are the kind that could instil silent awe in any crowd, and her delicate yet definite fingerpicking folk guitar catches your attention as notes fall like water droplets in some serene mountain stream. In fact, it’s hard not to picture mountains, footprints in the snow and the feel of the icy breeze as her rich lyricism is enough to take you away if you simply close your eyes and get lost within the song awhile. This song is simply beautiful from start to finish and perfect for those quiet cosy nights.
Top Tracks: Elemantra – Low Dose Of Irony
This alt rock quartet from Salamanca, NY have captured the reckless abandon of youth with this track from their forthcoming third album. Recalling the likes of Slowdive and The Smashing Pumpkins, ‘Low Dose Of Irony’ embodies everything that made rock in the 90s so keenly relatable to a lost and angst-ridden generation, but at the same time giving it a modern indie twist. The central breakdown, conjuring up emphatic bass tones, adventurous drum fills and soaring guitars, really shows what Elemantra can do. As well as being the highlight of the track, it’s the epitome of what songs like this are all about. There’s a unique kind of freedom woven into the fabric of the music that makes you feel like there are endless possibilities all within your grasp if you’re willing to take the plunge, and this is the soundtrack that will take you there.
Belwood Music 