There are Angels by Rivers By Michelle Dee

Just seen Rivers (formerly The Rivers) opening this Tuesdays the Sesh at Linnet and Lark in Hull. First thing I notice is that each and every member bears a resemblance to somebody from our own crowd. Lead singer Jack Simpson reminds me of Begbie ex- Dirty Dreamers manager. The bass player, aptly enough, has a definite look of Alfie from the Vels. And with a slight stretch of the imagination Rivers drummer has a certain resemblance to acoustician Steve Reed. Anti-folk hero Thomas Truax of New York mistook little me for Mr. Reed last month, but this guy is a slightly closer match.

So the Leeds band travel to Hull and show us what they are about. I'm going to say they are good; I'm going to say they are very good. Now I am going to put the three track CD on that they kindly provided me with at the end of the night and do a Michelle Dee style review.

First song There are Angels starts with abrasive guitar and solid percussion and has me shimmying round my cramped flat. Normally I put a disc on full volume then take a shower and see what filters through as I let the sounds fill my head and warm water cascade down my body. Tonight though, after a desperate search for an ashtray, I sit ready to take it all in, close and personal.

Somewhere between Iggy Pop and The Editors we hit the chorus. Simple sing along couplets with an underlying guitar that keeps you interested throughout. Track two is a more melodic affair. Girl has a clean guitar intro with a reflective vocal and prominent bass line. This is a song to sway to on a summer night. Jack's vocal more immediate, feels warm and meaningful and the guitar section, two thirds in, captivates with every rising note.

Track three is an extended version of track one danceable and by now memorable with a sentiment that we can all relate to. Come on keep it together, I know we'll be alright...In a live setting this one flies of the stage with Jack having something of a minor fit on stage. I didn't manage to catch all the titles of the songs tonight - so shoot me - but I was taken by Jack's on stage antics. It was like watching Wily Coyote after eating a handful of Acme earthquake pills. Rivers played a lively set and are definitely worth a return gig. Come back to Hull and sing more silent songs to us.

They also gave me a stylish red and blue badge bearing their name; a sure fire way to get my attention. The trio were last seen heading towards The Attic for Grapevines 1st Birthday. Hope you had a good one guys. For more info check out www.myspace.com/theriversband www.theriversband.co.uk

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