Review: When Rivers Meet ‘Aces Are High’
By Marc Dorian
Essex-based blues-rock duo When Rivers Meet is gearing up to release their third album, Aces Are High, on September 15th through their independent label, One Road Records. Building upon their impressive discography, which includes the critically acclaimed full-length records We Fly Free (2020) and Saving Grace (2021), this husband and wife powerhouse, Grace Bond (vocals, mandolin, violin) and Aaron Bond (vocals, guitar), is ready to deliver another sonic gem to their growing fanbase.
Established in 2019, When Rivers Meet has emerged as a prominent presence in the British blues-rock scene, amassing numerous awards, notably clinching the Blues Band of the Year title for three consecutive years. Their musical influences span from the timeless classics of Cream and Led Zeppelin to contemporary rockers Rival Sons. On Aces Are High, they proudly embrace these influences and aren’t afraid to bring the rock to the bluesy party. The duo says in the past, they “held back on being too rocky, but this time, we allowed ourselves to create without restricting ourselves.” This newfound freedom resonates throughout the album, with beefy guitars and scorching vocals complemented by the drumming of producer Adam Bowers, who also contributes bass and keys to the project.
The album’s opener, “Infected,” is a powerful track with a thunderous guitar riff. This heavy rocker, exploring the theme of forging one’s path and not being told what to do, features a melodic, psychedelic-tinged chorus enriched by the duo’s compelling harmonies.
“Seen It All Before,” their latest single, is a prime example of heavy blues rock at its finest. Opting for a minimalist production approach, the track relies on only fuzzed-out guitar and percussion, allowing Grace’s vocal hooks to shine through. This minimal instrumentation effectively encapsulates the essence of their duo identity. The lead single, “Play My Game,” is another standout track. The fuzz is turned up again on the guitar solo. There’s a soaring vocal break that hits impressive high notes, literally and figuratively, before a tight ending with added Hammond organ accents.
The duo claims to have an intense and creative relationship. The second single, “Perfect Stranger,” is a song about how the couple first met. The track features a hard-hitting guitar riff in the verses, building up to a climactic vocal payoff in the chorus. Grace ascends to some stellar vocal runs on the song’s ending.
The title track, “Aces Are High,” showcases more fuzz guitar and boasts one of the catchiest choruses on the album, bound to inspire live audiences to raise their fists in the air.
“Trail to Avalon” is a real rollercoaster ride. Aaron sings the verses with his deep vocal tone, and Grace brings the heat with her slide mandolin skills. And when the chorus hits, Grace goes all in with some seriously soulful wailing.
Despite their penchant for rocking out, the duo also explores changes in tempo and texture. They explain their evolving songwriting style, “I think we’re moving away slightly from just classic rock and blues. The new stuff is a bit artier.” This is evident in the acoustic-based ballad “Golden,” where emotional vocals, dynamic shifts, and a piano-only breakdown section accentuate lyrics about the passage of time.
Another touching acoustic gem is “By Your Side,” where heartfelt and singable lyrics shine amid a warm organ accompaniment. You can feel the genuine emotion when they sing, I want to spend my whole life wrapped in your arms/As we watch the tides ebb and flow/And the perfect day is to be by your side. Everything about this song works.
When Rivers Meet is on the cusp of reaching the next level of blues rock royalty. With Aces Are High, they’ve stacked the deck in their favor.
Pre-order Aces Are High here
“Seen It All Before”
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