Only When Rivers Meet could release a single called ‘Never Change’ and then reveal that their entire style and form has changed!
Mind, listening to ‘Addicted To You’ all the changes are positive and take a multi-award winning outfit to another level. There is a chance that they will grab a lot of listeners who haven’t heard them before, but long time listeners will be enraptured by the new strength and soul..
They are now a four-piece outfit in the studio and expand to a six piece for live performances, and this album was produced and mixed by Adam Bowers in the Boathouse Studios. Lineup for the recordings is: Vocals, Violin & Mandolin–Grace Bond, Vocals & Guitar–Aaron Bond, Keys, Guitar & Bass–Adam Bowers, Keys, Guitar & Drum–James Fox
The new band format has given the couple full rein to try out things that simply weren’t possible before. The soulful tinge to their sound is now slightly emphasised and input from a regular coterie of musicians means that Aaron & Grace can focus on their vocals especially, as well as their playing.
The album is superb. The title track leads it off – a staccato and funky opening leading to Grace’s gorgeous and pure tone - a love song with two tales told together.
The single, ‘Never Change’, was filmed on the Radio Caroline ship and it’s got a light and funky beat as Aaron introduces his slide licks. Grace’s vocals having a sultry tone and presentation, she also demonstrates some slide mastery.. Regarding the video the band say, “We filmed the ‘Never Change’ video on the Radio Caroline boat, the Ross Revenge... such a special place with so much history. This song is about staying true to yourself and to the people who really matter, even when others around you try to lead you off course. It’s easy to get lost when people put doubt in your mind, but the heart always knows what’s real. Filming out there brought that feeling to life for us, and we’re so proud to finally share it with you.”
‘Tree Of Life’ is one of the most beautiful ballads I’ve heard recently and forms an apt name for their upcoming November tour.
Across the 11 tracks here, all the features that have made WRM major Blues/Rock artists are there, the Blues base to their music but also the folk and Americana touches, but the songwriting is better and the band allows the music to flow like never before.
Definitely one of my ‘Album of the year’ contenders – again.
TREE OF LIFE TOUR DATES Sept 28th – Bath, Komedia Oct 2nd – Stamford, Corn Exchange Oct 3rd – Newbury, Arlington Arts Oct 26th – Aberdeen, The Lemon Tree Oct 31st – Southport, The Atkinson Nov 1st – Manchester, Band On The Wall Nov 2nd – London, Islington Assembly Hall Nov 6th – Wolverhampton, KK’s Steel Mill Nov 7th – Barnsley, Birdwell Venue Nov 8th – Gateshead, Glasshouse ICM Nov 9th – Carlisle, Old Fire Station Nov 20th – Cardiff, The Globe Nov 21st – Chester, The Live Rooms Nov 22nd – Gloucester, Guildhall Nov 27th – Reading, Sub 89
