I was surprised to discover that, although When Rivers Meet have featured in a Moshville Times post (Headline Act: When Rivers Meet), we have never posted a review of their music… a shocking oversight that I intend to remedy here and now. It may seem odd that I have chosen to review The EP Collection which came out in 2019 rather than their latest release but there is a very good reason for starting there: they popped up on my Facebook feed and offered to give the CD away for free. (For once, facebook’s algorithm does something useful!) Perhaps “free” needs a bit of a qualification. The CD is free but you still have to pay for postage and packaging which cost me £3.99. Still, nine tracks for less than four quid, sounds like a bargain to me. At least, it is a bargain if you like the tracks. I love them, so bargain it is!
Let’s clear up one thing first (before the Moshville Times editors slap me): why have I classed this as an album review when it is clearly called The EP Collection? As best as I can figure, two previously released EPs (The Uprising and Innocence of Youth) have been put together into what can only be described as an EP collection. Two EPs makes one album by my reckoning, so I dare you to slap me now Mr Editor! [An EP collection is an EP collection and an album is an album so your slap is in the post – Ross.]
The heart of When Rivers Meet is the husband and wife duo of Aaron and Grace Bond. Grace does the vocals and also contributes mandolin and fiddle. Aaron’s slide guitar work features strongly on most of the tracks but he also adds backing vocals and (I suspect) kitchen sink to the mix. As well as Grace and Aaron, the CD also credits Adam Bowers for bass, drums and piano. In addition, the CD gives production credits to: “Grace Bond, Aaron Bond and Adam Bowers. This might ring alarm bells – if they are doing it all themselves, it could sound like a naff DIY vanity project? Fear not. The production quality is second to none; professional and polished with just the right amount of grit to make it fun.
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A great introduction is the opening track: “Free Man”. This demonstrates everything I’ve said above (stripped back, raw, lush, complex and fun with high production value) better than any amount of my scribblings can manage. Check the video at the end of this post and I defy you not to be impressed with Grace’s vocals: ionate; powerful and practically perfect in every way. Aaron’s backing vocals are not to be sneezed at either. In particular, listen to the chorus when the instruments drop out and Grace and Aaron’s vocals blend together in marital and musical harmony.
If you liked the hearing Grace and Aaron singing together, you should give “Fire” a listen where their voices are unsullied by instruments accompanied only by a bit of stomping and clapping – brilliant.
This collection is an outstanding demonstration of When Rivers Meet’s skills and musicianship. They go from a heart rending ballad like “Tomorrow” to the dark and dirty blues of “Kill For Your Love”. From the joyously macabre “A Dead Man Doesn’t Lie” to the rousing “Want Your Love” with its outstanding violin solo.
My only complaint is, I feel I have lured in by the oh so sneaky marketing method. How dare they give away tracks like this, forcing me to buy more of their music and (curse their cleverness) making me want to see them in concert too! A quick Google suggests that the free CD offer that pulled me in is still available but you can check out their online shop to see what else they have on offer and the tour page of their website gives details of their tour… I strongly suspect that you’ll see me at the Glasgow gig on May 20th!
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Header photo by Rob Blackham
The EP Collection is out now
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