Like many musical artists, When Rivers Meet could have easily met their ending during the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic. Instead, they relied on online performances and conducted a weekly livestream to survive, then held on and waited.
On June 19, their brand new album, Rhythm Rust and Static, was officially released. The band, consisting of the husband-and-wife team of Aaron and Grace Bond, offers a collection of ten original tracks that listeners have described as a mixture of blues, rock, Americana, and folk.
Early in their career, Grace Bond performed in a Meat Loaf tribute band while Aaron played with various local rock bands. In 2016, the couple performed as Holmes and Bond, traveling in their Volkswagen camper van and playing anywhere they could. This marks When Rivers Meet’s fifth studio album, in addition to a collection of four live recordings, two compilation albums, and two EPs.
They have become hugely popular in the United Kingdom and have received multiple awards from the UK Blues Awards organization. Their success and popularity are even more extraordinary when you consider that these accomplishments were earned without the benefit of a record label or management.
Rhythm Rust and Static is the musical culmination of Grace Bond (vocals, mandolin, and violin) and Aaron Bond’s (guitar and vocals) current creative journey. Additional credits go to James Fox (vocals, guitar, and percussion), while the songwriting is shared by Fox, the Bonds, and Adam Bowers. Together, they have created another impressive recording.
The ten tracks feature outstanding musicianship, strong vocals, and a tremendous amount of originality. It is honestly difficult to place their music into any single genre. At different points while listening to this album, I hear a hodgepodge of styles and influences that make When Rivers Meet a truly unique band.
Rhythm Rust and Static opens with “The Tide Is Turning,” a terrific rocker that immediately grabs your attention. Grace Bond sings, “A record’s playing through a closing door. I swear I’ve heard that sound before. I know the tide is turning.” This tune may well reflect the band’s career so far and their realization that things are beginning to change for the better in their professional lives.
“Caught In The Middle” opens with a great guitar riff. “I know I’m falling by the wayside and I can feel it coming,” sings Aaron Bond, followed by Grace Bond with, “I’m caught in the middle, caught in the middle once more.” It’s a song about knowing something isn’t good for you but still being drawn back to it. Is there anybody out there who can identify with that? I sure can.
I love the guitar opening of “Fatal Attraction” and Aaron Bond singing, “Step into my parlour said the spider to the fly. Promise I won’t catch you in a web of lies.” He goes on to sing, “Damn this fatal attraction, I’m doing these things I shouldn’t do.”
What this song is about is pretty clear. It’s about being attracted to the things we know are no good for us and being tempted over and over again. Every once in a while, even though we try to do better, that temptation comes back around, and before you know it, you’re doing the things you know you shouldn’t do.
The final track on Rhythm Rust and Static is “Bring Life,” a beautiful tune that has to be, at least in part, about Aaron and Grace Bond’s new baby, who arrived in March. I love the harmony when they sing, “Bringing life into the world. A story waiting to be told. And I know my life is changing too. Bringing life into the world.” It’s a wonderful way to close the album.
When Rivers Meet has taken another positive step in its blossoming career with the release of Rhythm Rust and Static, and I’m fairly sure we’ll be hearing more great music from them in the future.
After checking, I found that the songs from this album, complete with lyrics, are available on YouTube, along with other music from the band. They’ll be touring the UK from July through October. If you have the opportunity, check for future tour dates and go see them live.
The Review: 7.5/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– The Tide Is Turning
– Caught In The Middle
– Fatal Attraction
– Bring Life
The Big Hit
– Bring Life
The post When Rivers Meet: Rhythm Rust and Static Review appeared first on Blues Rock Review.
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