Rivers Of England

Rivers Of England’s sound is reminiscent of the Nick Drake/ John Martyn era but with some heavy moments. They have a powerful yet warm string-infused alternative acoustic sound. The new album 'Astrophysics saved my life' has one foot also in the bluesy electric genre through inclusion on three tracks of the blues-rock legend and former Robert Plant guitarist Innes Sibun. Continuing the notion of greater perspective through considering yourself in the context of the universe, the new album also has a nautical theme present with a blend of rivers and the sea, alongside the more common personal themes of failed relationships, mental illness, reminiscences of family sailing holidays, complaints about jobs, childhood bicycle adventures, loneliness and universal love. On the album sleeve some of the tracks are given grid references pinpointing the places of inspiration. The opening track presents the idea of universes within universes, while the title track 'Astrophysics saved my life' is partly inspired by the euphoria that comes from looking into space. Following a bluesy/pastoral climax of 'In the barley', the album finishes with the more personal reflective 'On the spectrum' with a hint to the notion that we are all a little bit mad.

Interesting facts about Rivers Of England: a surgeon listens to them while performing operations; their beloved tour bus is named 'Ludwig'; they launched their last two releases on boats; they played a wind & solar powered gig at Glastonbury (the power cut out half way through); they got shortlisted for the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition in 2013; map grid references are given on the album sleeve that pinpoint places of inspiration; they have been featured on local BBC radio & the BBC Introducing playlist; their return from a tour was delayed after one member was hospitalised after eating too much (dodgy) pizza; their new album features former Robert Plant guitarist Innes Sibun.

The current members of the band are Rob Spalding on vocals, guitar and sometimes keyboard; Brian Madigan on drums and percussion; Jacob Tyghe on bass; Katie Stone-Lonergan on voilin and keyboards. Guesting members also include Neil Gay on guitar (The Cedar, Protest Crayon, Jilk etc.) and Innes Sibun on guitar. Other members (less frequent nowadays) include Bill 'The Goat' Owsley on double bass, Patrick Morgan on drums, Annie Tyhurst & Beth Porter on cello and Chris Winfield-Chislett on keyboards.

The band’s first full album ‘Of Trivial And Gargantuan’ soundtracks the subjects of the micro and macrocosm or the infinitely large and the infinitely small. It explores the benefit of considering the context of a human within the immensity of space. It celebrates selflessness and non-violence, whilst acknowledging that there is always larger than the trivia of an individual. In this album, the band have layered up lush string arrangements and prominent Hammond and Rhodes keyboards sounds with varied percussion, guitar and vocal harmonies.

‘Immersive, simple but impressive music that is somehow quintessentially English, there is something quite wholesome, refined and altogether rather sweet about this music and the vocals are completely lovely. Rare but nice to find something reminiscent of Yo La Tengo and Nick Drake all at once.' Glastonbury Emerging Talent Contest 2013.

‘Rob Spalding is a highly talented singer songwriter. Armed with an awe-inspiring voice capable of sending shivers down your spine, Rob has approached the folk acoustic scene with passion, soul and honesty.’ Sam Rowe (sound engineer, composer & producer).

‘...the stunning Meadow Sways is a piece that sounds like a lost timeless classic. It is so well poised in its writing, performance, arrangement, texture and blend that it is almost beyond criticism – it's just a well made lovely thing.’ Davey Ray Moor (formerly of Cousteau).