WHEN RIVERS MEET – WE FLY FREE
AMP was first introduced to When Rivers Meet via our U.K. rep, Anne Estella. Her extensive interview with Grace and Aaron Bond who comprise When Rivers Meet was superb. Since Anne’s talk with the dynamic duo, When Rivers Meet dropped a new album, We Fly Free. The new record is an amazing testament to strong songwriting and brilliant musicianship.
I’ve been following the group through their social media. They use their quarantine time quite well. They are constantly live streaming their shows with tons of fans attending. The Bonds should write a book on how to capture an audience through adversity. Their sessions are fun. It’s just the two of them but that’s all you need. When Rivers Meet know their fans intimately. They raise their drink of the night and give a rousing toast to all. They converse with returning fans and their banter is totally entertaining. If they ever decide to change careers, I’m hiring them to do my PR.
When Rivers Meet released their first E.P. in 2019. The Uprising was a massive success spawning the incredible “Free Man”. The Uprising was follow by a second E.P., Innocence of Youth in 2020. Both releases espoused tenacious songs and uncompromising vocals.
We Fly Free is a powerhouse album. The record contains 12 blues and rock infused gems. Grace and Aaron’s voices have a sublime quality. Their harmonies are absolutely dazzling. The entire disc is gutsy and incredibly smart. When Rivers Meet creatively meshes modern influences with time honored classic blues.
The first song on the disc is “Did I Break The Law”. It’s a foot stomping romp with a driving beat. Grace’s forceful vocals and the hypnotic raging guitar throws the tune into high gear. The swirling keyboard and crashing percussions just adds to the fury. A perfect opener to We Fly Free. “Bound For Nowhere” continues the aural attack. Grace’s vocals are down and dirty and the whole song has a evil feel. Aaron’s harmonies fit ideally. The rhythm is pulsating and compelling.
“Walking On The Wire” has Aaron and Grace singing in harmony while the duo wails on their respective instruments. Aaron lays down a smashing guitar while Grace’s mandolin fires right back. The song exemplifies the strong songwriting capabilities of the husband and wife team. “I’d Have Fallen” turns down the tempo. Grace’s emotional voice has a melancholy aura. The sorrowful sounding guitar and somber arrangement produces an atmosphere of penance and contrition.
“Battleground” brings back the heat. This uptempo rocker explodes with sonic fireworks. Grace’s vocals are again high flying and effective. The rhythm is blazing hot and Aaron’s harmonies fit flawlessly. I can see why this was the first single off of We Fly Free. In “Kissing The Sky”, When Rivers Meet turns up the sensuality. Grace’s voice is sexy and enticing. Not only that but she rocks her electric slide mandolin. The sound is raw and downright nasty. The rhythm sections gives a highly potent performance.
“Breaker Of Chains” has Aaron taking over lead vocals with great success. The bluesy song has an extraordinary gospel cadence that’s hypnotic in nature. With their roles reversed, Grace’s harmonies are superb. “I Will Fight” is one of my favorite songs off the album. The pure simplicity of the ballad and Grace’s defiant vocalization are plainly exhilarating. Aaron’s audacious guitar solo heightens the embattled ambiance.
“Bury My Body” brings in a bit of folk and americana. It starts with the Bonds once again singing in harmony with a strumming acoustic guitar until the whole unit jumps in. It’s a beautifully manufactured song with heavenly voices and a gorgeous piano interlude. Before they inter my soul to the ground I want When Rivers Meet to sing this song at the cemetery. “Take Me To The River” returns the rush. It’s an energetic rocker that has a toes a tapping. Aaron’s up front vocals work exquisitely.
“Friend Of Mine” is a strangely eerie tune. Grace’s ethereal voice carries the listener to some god forsaken abyss. Her moving vocals are stirring and somewhat sinister. We Fly Free closes with the thunderous “We Fly Free”. Bold and brash, the song is a monstrous banger that carries the album on its back.
I can’t express how much I enjoyed We Fly Free. When Rivers Meet has written an album that is pure gold. The Bonds are and will be a force to reckon with for a long while.
We Fly Free was recorded the Boathouse Studio in Suffolk with the assistance of producer/engineer Adam Bowers. Bowers also played bass, drums, organ and piano on the record. In addition, Robin G. Breeze contributed bass, organ and piano.
When Rivers Meet have already racked up major accolades. We Fly Free made Rock and Blue’s Muse’s “Top 20 Blues, Rock and Roots Albums of 2020” and came in “#9 in Blues Rock Review’s Top 20 Albums of 2020”. These are just a few of their accomplishments.
Do me a favor and check out one of their live streams. They will put a huge quarantine smile on your face. Make sure to bring a drink.
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To learn more about When Rivers Meet, check out their website
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2 thoughts on “WHEN RIVERS MEET – WE FLY FREE”
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They’re so good, and loaded with charisma.
They make great music and you are exactly right. Their personalities are so effervescent.