Singing River is one of those bands that pulls you in immediately. The six piece roots group delivers a sound that feels timeless and classic, while still landing fresh. Their music keeps organic instrumentation at the center, preserving traditional tones and the warmth that comes with analog performance. Because their sound feels familiar in the best way, it is easy to sink into the record and become an instant fan.
The album opens with the bluesy “Lost By The River,” a track that balances playful lyrics with a strong melodic foundation. Singing River built the melody first, and it shows. The chorus is tender and memorable, with a vocal hook that shines without feeling forced. There is a nostalgic glow to the track that brings warmth to the speakers, pairing a feel good spirit with a clear sense of motion. Folky harmonica, pounding drums, and distorted blues guitar arrive right out of the gate, pulling the listener in. The lyric “You only get one lifetime” lands as a reminder to live in the moment and embrace the adventure of travel and change.
“We were never looking to be confined to that ‘old-time’ stereotype. For me, the American song tradition is still very much alive and well—you just have to recognize that it’s there. It’s literally in us. Everything from Buddy Bolden to Mavis Staples to Hank Williams to any of their modern descendants. Because they were just the latest incarnation of what came before them. I mean, just think of all the un-sung artists who paved the way for them. It’s endless. The great ones synthesize the musical language they learned and turn it into something entirely their own. No machine can ever do that, but it’s up to us whether we lose that skill or not. Because we’ve always had people who were just playing dress-up. That’s never been my thing.” – James, Singing River
The title track, “Shoutin’ Good Time,” follows with a guitar forward approach that leans into classic rock energy. The riff is immediate and physical, the kind that practically demands movement. A horn section and soulful vocals give the song a larger than life presence, making it feel designed for a crowded room. It carries a party spirit without losing its musicianship, and it is easy to imagine the track becoming a live staple with a dance floor response.
“I Thought I Heard Bob Dylan Say” brings one of the album’s most interesting concepts. Inspired by Jelly Roll Morton’s “I Thought I Heard Buddy Bolden Say,” the track began as an homage, but the band was unable to secure clearance. Rather than abandoning the idea, Singing River rewrote it into something distinctly their own, and the result is one of the record’s standout moments. The horn arrangements evoke a Sgt. Pepper era Beatles color, while the vocal delivery adds a psychedelic meets country edge that feels unexpectedly natural. References to classic rock icons appear throughout, reinforcing the song’s sense of lineage while keeping it playful and original.
The record closes with its most exhilarating cut, “King of the Minor Leagues.” Fast paced and built like a rock n’ roll anthem, it opens with an organ playing the melody of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” before launching into a driving rock n’ roll groove. The chorus, “I was a king in the minor leagues,” is tailor made for audience singalongs, and the track captures the electricity of a band meant to be experienced live. It is the kind of closer that does more than end an album. It leaves the listener wanting to see the songs translate to the stage.
Across these tracks, Singing River proves they are not simply borrowing from tradition. They are extending it. With sharp songwriting, strong arrangements, and a commitment to warmth and authenticity, they deliver a record that feels built to last. Enjoy the record now:
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Written by Ryan Cassata
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About Rock the Pigeon:
Rock the Pigeon is an independent music and culture blog dedicated to uplifting emerging artists, spotlighting underrepresented voices, and sharing fresh sounds across genres. Since 2012, we’ve been celebrating creativity, authenticity, and the stories behind the songs.