Simon RushworthThese Wicked Rivers — Fire And Folklore (Fat Earth Records)
Think the Delta blues flowing through Derbyshire.
Belper via Beale Street. Or Alabama meets the Heights of Abraham.
Somehow — and spectacularly so — These Wicked Rivers have managed to evoke the sweet sounds of Southern rock, outlaw country and heavy blues without losing sight of their treasured roots.
Fire And Folklore is a creative triumph to be treasured.
A fearless testament to burning ambition, poker hot talent and a simmering sense of unfulfilled potential, it’s a truly remarkable body of work.
Co-producer Andy Sneap (Sabbat, Judas Priest, Saxon, Megadeth and more) has managed to peel back the layers and promote a sound that’s as earthy as it’s polished.
That’s no easy task.
But Sneap knows better than most how to coax a career-defining record from a band with ability to burn.
These Wicked Rivers have never sounded so ready to take on the world.
But Fire And Folklore is no shameless sell-out, tailored to classic rock tastemakers.
Sure, it’s a soulful, singalong project with an unashamedly commercial edge that will pique the interest of playlisters the world over.
And yet it’s a record that remains unshakeably loyal to the band’s lived experience.
Tradition, heritage and pride are common themes.
There’s a recurring focus on mental health and its enduring impact.
And from start to finish there’s a sense that These Wicked Rivers knew, all along, they were making the album that defines their sound, their ethos and their future.
Fire And Folklore is rock and roll storytelling at its finest.
The Rise of These Wicked Rivers
Truth be told, Horse To Water’s thought-provoking lyrics can be a tough, tough listen.
But the age-old story of addiction’s relentless demons is retold with heart and sympathy.
It’s also soundtracked by soaraway Skynyrd-soaked melodies and an Allman Brothers Band vibe.
By the way, phenomenal fretwork is a standout feature of Fire And Folklore.
Arran Day’s immaculate playing wouldn’t sound out of place on the biggest stages Macon, Muscle Shoals and Atlanta have to offer.
These Wicked Rivers’ lead guitarist fuses unique individual flourishes with regular nods to Southern rock’s storied forefathers.
And Day’s ability to bounce off the honey-tongued John Hartwell is what drives this classy band’s very best moments.
Ain’t No Smoke is another standout but what about new single Rise?
If the uplifting heart of Fire And Folklore had come out of Nashville this summer you’d hear nothing else on country rock radio right now.
The Johnny Cash refrain of Brother Oh Brother builds on the prevailing theme of keeping key memories alive.
Better Man, meanwhile, is an expansive, arena-ready, indie rock belter that reveals the bolder face of a band without boundaries.
When These Wicked Rivers flow, this band makes waves. Don’t sleep on Fire And Folklore.
