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‘WHAT YOU SEE’ is a collection of five brand-new tracks from reggae twisting sextet By The Rivers and will hit the shelves on Friday 18th November 2016 on the band’s own record label: For The People.
Available in 12”, CD and digital formats, ‘What You See’ will be the reggae-fusion outfit’s first full release of new material since their 2013 S/T debut album, with the exception of 2015’s superb standalone single ‘If They Don’t Know’.
With a knack for sunny melodies and a blue-sky attitude genre, the Leicester six-piece have picked-up praise for their ability to twist Pop, Soul & Reggae and Afrobeat into a wonderfully eclectic and vibrant sound – and their latest offering finds them in as playful mood as ever.
Opening track ‘Take It Away’ bounces along beatific brass sections, slippy Ska guitars and humming hammond organs, whilst the title-track glitters with calypso rhythms and fret dancing Afro-tinged licks. The sure-fire Summer festival scorcher ‘One Step Two Step’ is destined for euphoric mid-set mass pogoing, whereas ‘Only Love’ is a affectionate nod to roots reggae classics, made by some of its biggest devotees. Wistful closer ‘I Feel Like I Know’ sees the EP mellowly melt away on a bed of glowing harmonies and some of the band’s finest and most conscious lyrics to date. Already supported by radio reggae master – David ‘Ram Jam’ Rodigan on his 1Extra music show and Craig Charles on his BBC Radio 6 Funk & Soul show, this is one for the purists.
The new release will be accompanied by a series of 9 new shows across the UK this winter, kicking off at Brighton’s Patterns on the 18th November, before rounding off with a hometown show just before Christmas at Leicester’s O2 Academy (17th December). Full dates below.
Speaking about the upcoming tour dates, By The Rivers vocalist, Nile Barrow said:
“We’re really excited to be getting back on road after having a busy festival season, and touring with Will & The People, we’ll be spurring each other on, and bringing a whole new level of energy.”
With 2015 smash single If They Don’t Know, propelling By The Rivers to new stratospheres following multiple plays and much encouragement from the likes of BBC Radio 1 Xtra and BBC 6 Music – the band have had a busy couple of years. Following a hectic touring schedule across the UK and Europe, the band have had the privilege of supporting some of their own musical icons including The Wailers, Jamie Cullum, Michael Kiwanuka, The Specials, Madness and Fun Lovin Criminals, not to mention headline many of their own, which have included top billings at hugely respected festivals like Shambala, Nozstock and Larmer Tree.
Their live show well and truly honed on the road, it’s no surprise that the band have been hailed as “One of the best live acts in the UK” (BBC Introducing’s Dean Jackson).
”This is superb… Great vocals and I love those blazing horns” David Rodigan, BBC Radio 1Xtra.
‘’These guys are gonna be huge’’ Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio 2.
”One of the best live acts in the UK” Dean Jackson, BBC Introducing
Catch the band on tour, this winter at the following UK shows:
BY THE RIVERS – 2016 TOUR DATES
18/11 – BRIGHTON, Patterns w/ WATP
19/11 – BRISTOL, Exchange
24/11 – LIVERPOOL, Arts Club w/ WATP
26/11 – NORWICH, Arts Centre w/ WATP
27/11 – LONDON, Hoxton Square B&K
08/12 – SHEFFIELD, O2 Academy 2 w/ WATP
09/12 – MANCHESTER, Band On The Wall w/ WATP
11/12 – NOTTINGHAM, The Maze
17/12 – LEICESTER, O2 Academy w/ WATP
Tickets for all dates on the tour will be available via the By The Rivers website here –
http://www.bytherivers.co.uk/gigs
‘What You See’ – the new EP, will be released on a limited 12 inch Vinyl and CD on Friday 18th November 2016 on For The People Records
By The Rivers are:
Nile Barrow – Lead Vocals/Guitar | Jordan Birtles – Drums/Vocals
Sam Read – Keys/Guitar/Vocals | Brogan Finnigan – Bass
Will Todd – Tenor Sax | Theo Seaton – Trumpet