Black Rivers - Black Rivers

Black Rivers
Black Rivers
2015
Black Rivers - Black Rivers


Some Indie aficionados may have heard of the band Doves and thus this spin off band Black Rivers, however, much of the world does not run in those circles and thus Black Rivers will be completely new to them. The band is as Indie as the come taking their cues from The Doors, The Beach Boys and other classic acts lending their sound to this new record. The music itself is rich with guitar runs and underlying synths which just barely bring it into the modern day while still maintaining a classic vibe. Everything on the record is completely pleasant though at times it does seem to be lacking that certain something to just put it over the edge. That seems to be one of the major takeaways from this record: that everything is right where it should be however no one would expect this album to set the world on fire. It just is not different enough nor exciting enough to really be a game changer so instead it is better to just think of it as a really solid album.

"Age Of Innocence" is where the band really steps out of the box really bringing in the synths heavily and crafting a more upbeat high energy track. Perhaps it is the Lo-Fi vocals which set this album back, because there is certainly something hindering it in a way. The final third section of the record is definitely the weakest, it tends to drag and feels like the band is throwing everything they possibly can at the wall in order to get everything out. Black Rivers having produced the album themselves could have done with a bit of editing to trim some of the fat from the record. In the end Black Rivers as a debut is really quite good and deserves a listen. Get out there and give it a go.

7 out of 10