Album Review :
River James - EP
By Eric Pettersson in Reviews | Comments closed
Artist: River James
Album: EP
Label: None
Release Date: May 24, 2011
Reviewer: Eric Pettersson
Tracklisting
- Avenue A
- Heart of Love
- In My Blood
- Dreams
Jacob Marshall, former drummer of the band Mae, took a 410 mile canoe trip with some friends along the James River in Virginia. After the life-changing journey, they decided to form a band named after that river. The result is, for now, a set of four delicate and heartfelt songs about love and life. It’s the sort of light indie rock that fans of Jack’s Mannequin and Coldplay alike will both find compelling. The lyrics and vocals seem honest and emotional, but unlike most times when those words are used, the final product sounds positive and hopeful. “In My Blood” is perhaps the most passionate song, with a chorus that sings, “Let your water cover me in a flood. How I want your blood in my blood.”
Overall: While there are some similarities, River James isn’t what you might think of right away when you hear that these guys are close with Mae. Both share bright melodies and poetic, personal lyrics, but River James is a little more “raw.” Recommended for fans of anything from Copeland to mewithoutYou.