Following on from their debut EP (Blackbird) in 2017 and their self-titled, first full length album in 2019, The Riven are clearly keen to keep the rock n roll train running with this vinyl 7″, two track EP featuring brand new songs.
Clearly influenced by the whisky-soaked, denim clad sounds of the seventies, it would be too easy to write The Riven off as just another female fronted, stoner blues band in what has become a rather overcrowded scene. However, that wouldn’t give nearly enough credit to the energy and enthusiasm the band have captured on this disc.
The two songs on offer are essentially cut from the same cloth and the pair of them are over and done with in less than eight minutes, but there is an undeniable conviction here that raises the bar and invites a repeat listen.
The overall picture is of a band who are probably best served on a tight stage in a packed, sweaty venue. The Riven sound like the soundtrack to an excellent night out where the bar is well stocked and the curfew is a loose one.
The vinyl format will appeal to fans of the era from which these songs are influenced – and it’s worth mentioning that this release has been pressed to a very collectible 500 copies.
1. Windbreaker
2. Moving On