Soul cleansing Southern Rock stuff from Derby. These Wicked Rivers send some joy (plus fire and folklore) out into the world.
DANCING WITH THE DEMONS
Don’t blame it on the sunshine, don’t blame it on the moonlight…etc. Blame it on Firevolt 2026. The small but perfectly formed Hard Rocking little festival on the outskirts of Stockport where These Wicked Rivers cast their spell on us. First impressions…lasting impressions…there’s a song about that. Any band with Peace, Love & Lampshades as their calling card is fine by me. As is buying into any band who look the part, decked out in their classic garb; big hats and long beards adding to the whole package.
Fire And Folklore confirms the first impression. The revelatory opening with an (un)holy baptism vibe via celebratory chorals voices and the first of some genuinely filthy riffs sets the stall, the tone and proves the bait that sees us hooked. John Hartwell is in full preacher mode and Arran Day giving fair warning of his penchant for cranking out a steady delivery of raw guitar sounds. Power chords, winding solos and a piano/organ keyboard adding fine and coarse textures, Fire And Folklore is a heady mix.
SOUL AND SPIRIT
Soulful and spiritual, 2024’s Force Of Nature comes into play. Horse To Water one of those Zep II-era guitar lines and chops with some hip swaggering melodies. The first glimpse of the lighter side and a chance to take a breath where the electricity gets a chance to recharge the batteries, comes with Sing Another Song. Still wearing the same hat, the casting of the net into the acoustic format is easy and natural. There’s the contrast of a Kezia Gill duet. The guitar solo is judged perfectly to suit the mood. We know the Rivers can do wild and unfettered, but the nod to subtlety marks another notch on the stick.
Stories is cut of a similar cloth. As an album closer, it’s a jaunty feelgood adventure – “sitting round the table, telling stories of your father” – picking up pace with a friendly shuffle and ring. Back to the day job, Brother Oh Brother exploding into a dramatic guitar passage – the big production number on the album – check out the deep brogue delivery and another contender for ‘best solo on the record’. Yet another reminder that the Arran Day guitar parts are always a joy – Rise possibly the pick of his solo parts. Depends on the day and mood I guess.
A FAIR SHARE OF BRIMSTONE
Kicking into a grand finale of a sequence that never lets up, there’s no danger of frontloading on Fire And Folklore – indeed a second wind carries the gang onto greater heights on Side Two for those who deal in old money. Better Man is inspirational and chilling yet swings with a gritty drive and partners the guitar sear and razor sharp riff on Woodland Queen. Fire, folklore and a fair share of brimstone – all combining to stir a cauldron packed with the thrill of proper Rock music.
Here’s Ain’t No Smoke:
These Wicked Rivers: Website