Posted on: September 29, 2012 Posted by: James McQuiston Comments: 0

 

There is little more to Birds in Trees (or the solid ground) than Nico’s vocals and guitar work. There is a tremendous amount of work placed into this seemingly-simple track; Rivers’ rich narrative provides this track with some serious legs. To The Bone continues to gain momentum with the EP’s second track, Molotovs & Medicine. The inclusion of a harmonica to Rivers’ repertoire adds a further intensity to the EP; this song of lost love and spite can be appreciated by anyone that has had any sort of problems with a former significant lover.

The track is even stronger owing to Rivers’ shattering of time signature convention. This cut (and the balance of the To The Bone EP) showcases that Rivers follows the beat of his own drummer. Your Heart Was Just the Start demarcates the beginning of the EP’s second half. This song provides listeners with the energy that they need to complete this title. The song is of note because of the interplay between the instrumental and the vocal sides of things. Your Heart… makes strong use of the open spaces that exist. Rivers is able to make an alluring effort that will stick with listeners long after the track ceases. The final two tracks on the EP – Birds in Trees and Demons Croon for the Mississippi Moon – are bonus inclusions. The latter composition acts as the perfect closing for the disc; Demons Croon takes up the different standards presented on the EP and combines them into one stellar track.

Give the To The Bone EP ample attention, and check out Rivers’ website for more information concerning upcoming tour dates and further releases coming down the pipeline.

Top Tracks:  Your Heart Was Just the Start, Demons Croon for the Mississippi Moon

Rating: 8.0/10

Nico Rivers – To The Bone (CD) / 2012 Self / 7 Tracks / http://www.nicorivers.com

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