Marston Doles by Rivers Of England
Rivers Of England return with a new EP that originally started out as frontman Rob's solo project but evolved back into a Rivers Of England release that a stripped down lineup are promoting with a tour of Germany in October. The title of the EP 'Marston Doles' refers to a quiet rural location on the canals in the heart of England, hinting at the reflective and pastoral but richly layered 6 music friendly melodic production.
The first track recounts a weekend away sailing with friends in the Norfolk Broads and the acknowledgment of the simple pleasure of witnessing the presence of the sun, the moon and the afternoon giving a relief from the despair of the modern world. The second track ‘witnessing the tide’ portrays a more overtly reflective philosophising over civilisations’ sins and expressing heartfelt hope at how we can navigate through the challenges faced by humanity – using the analogy of a tide bringing inevitable consequences on our actions. The strings written and arranged by Danyal Dhondy provide a strong counter melody in contrast to Al O’Kane’s hypnotic repeating electric accompaniment, while the held bass notes provide a powerful foundation.
‘My favourite hill’ follows on both from Peter Gabriel’s Solsbury Hill and Rivers Of England earlier song Bailbrook Lane at least in terms of the location referred to. It is based on an earlier idea of game playing in a relationship and the push and pull of unrequited love. ‘Let’s’ celebrates romantic love but with an acknowledgement of the realities of long term relationships. ‘End of an age’ again refers to humankind being at a cross-roads and the belief in the possibility of a new golden age.
The EP was recorded at Nine Volt Leap Studios in Melksham with studio owner and producer Dominic Bailey-Clay playing drums, bass, guitars and synth as heavily involved producer and sound designer. Rob reconnected with talented composer Danyal Dhondy to write and arrange string parts played by new members of the collective violinist Sue Lord; viola player Emma Hooper (yes, the famous author); cellist Jo Silverston and founding member Bill ‘The Goat’ Owsley on double bass.
A stripped down 3-piece band is promoting the new release in autumn 2024: Brian Madigan on cajon, flute and backing vocals; Sue Lord on violin and backing vocals; and Rob Spalding on guitar, synths and vocals.
www.riversofengland.com
Tracklist
| 1. | What Have We Got | 4:09 |
| 2. | Witnessing The Tide | 3:53 |
| 3. | My Favourite Hill | 4:17 |
| 4. | Lets | 3:39 |
| 5. | End Of An Age | 3:51 |
Credits
All songs written by Rob Spalding. Strings written & arranged by Danyal Dhondy. Violin: Sue lord. Viola: Emma Hooper. Cello: Jo Silverston. Double Bass: Bill ‘The Goat’ Owsley. Electric guitar on ‘witnessing the tide’: Al O’Kane. Production, mixing, mastering, electric bass & guitar, drums, sound design, pedals, coffee, wit & patience: Dominic Bailey-Clay.
www.riversofengland.com
License
All rights reserved.
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