Leicester based up and coming reggae outfit By The Rivers are back with
their second single, "Don't
Say You Love Me". One year has passed since their debut single; "One Word"
was premiered on local radio. 2012 has seen the band support New York reggae
legends The Slackers, acoustically on the mainland of Europe. They're
still a work in progress; however the final result will never be delivered
otherwise roots reggae wouldn't be what it is. By The Rivers differentiate
themselves from other artists though modern lyricism and 'fun' with reggae
music. They take a range of influences from several areas of music, predominantly
second wave ska.
Their first EP was fuelled by political anger and musical energy. The second
EP developed on that energy with peace and tranquillity, keeping all the
rhythms and brass sections and politics safely tucked away under the jive.
Don't Say You Love Me obviously touches on the theme of love. A topic reggae
happens to excel in. "Your minds just to young to love,"
sings lead vocalist and guitarist Nile Barrow. The bass is
soulful and the multi-layered vocals plus reverberated horn segments are just
as soulful and sexy as the bass evokes. You can expect By The River's debut
album shortly, for now you can check out their bandcamp.
~Eddie
