Rivers Edge
The Runaround
Let’s Pretend Records/Dead Broke Rekerds (2019)
Runaround is the third release I’ve heard from Rivers Edge, and besides feeling like a nice metaphoric album title for the band’s style – accessible DIY pop punk with a lot of unexpected turns – it also feels like the band is really coming into their own. In the past I’ve observed a “sum of the parts” vibe, sharing elements with bands like Future Virgins, which feature some of the same members.This time the vocal tradeoffs are less stark. The band utilizes multiple singers, but the songs feel more cohesive between those switch-offs. In fact, the transitions all feel seamless and cohesive, without that samey element that can doom a punk band. It has variety, but it makes sense together.The vocals throughout are somewhat shout-y. There’s an ear for melody, but it’s rough and coarse, much like the chords and rhythms that accompany it. The band effectively balances punchy crescendo, driving percussion, and harmony in an effective balance that gives a powerful, angry energy that’s still relatable and a little stream-of-consciousness. It’s melodic, but not quite singalong, with arrangements that feel carefully arranged to subtly convey different emotions.Around the midway point, it gets a touch too cute for me on … Read more
Rational Anthem
It’s Only Permanent
A-F (2019)
It’s been a long time since the last Rational Anthem record, Emotionally Unavailable in 2014. The band is still similar … Read more
State Drugs
Takings and Leavings
Jigsaw Records (2019)
This LP sounds like something that teleported here from my moody early-2000’s CD rack, which they acknowledge with their self-description … Read more
