The Rivergods
Time Has Come
Blue Donut Records – 0021
visit the band's website
also available on cd baby
This is the second disc of this very diversified, yet cohesive, New England group that seems intent on incorporating into their music some of the most diverse elements of what can loosely be called Rock and Roll. They do it in a way that is harmonious and growth orientated. That the music doesn’t hold to one idiom works in this groups favor. This is an 8-person amalgam that plays a plethora of instruments; from your standard guitars to an arhythmic guitar to accordion to pedal steel, 3/16” ratchet, rain stick, slide guitar, viola, cornet, to kabasa. They not only play them, but also play them well and make most effective use of them. To bring it closer to home all of the songs are written by Benjamin Parent, with the exception of Buddha On The Road. Which has words credited to Marlies Parent. Fuzzed guitars are not over worked and nicely mixed with the other instrumentation,
particularly the acoustic guitars. It is a very full sounding record that reflects the care taken in production, which was handled by Ben Parent and Jim Carpenter. The lead vocals are handled by Benjamin Parent and Nancy Brossard (husband and wife), and backing vocals by Sand “Sandman” Allen. This is a thoughtful and interesting disc, that mixes thought and passion with good results. Fierce guitar work by Jim Carpenter, mixing well with the wah-wah slide guitar and mandolin from Sandy Allen. Mixed with the vocal harmonies of Parent and Brossard we have a winning combination. This is a disc you don’t want to slip by because it might be difficult to track down.