NEEDTOBREATHE
Rivers in the Wasteland
Reviewed by: Lara Supan
This album is heard best with the car windows down going at least 70 mph on an open road.
Talk about space- this collection of Americana Rock anthems would make anyone yearn for a Motorcycle Diaries-esque road trip across any open countryside. NEEDTOBREATHE’s title track “Wasteland” starts with intimate vocals, reeling you in to what later becomes a foot stomping anthem that rivals any of Mumford & Sons’ hit singles. Although overly repeated lyrics and nonsense syllable sing along choruses are among the faults of this album, they don’t seem to overshadow the instantly relatable melodies and grit and gravel vocals that make Rivers in the Wasteland worth the listen.
“Rise Again” is a track that really stands out on the CD, with an inspired chorus where lead singer Bear Rineheart (and yes, from what I can tell that’s his real name) says he’s going to “set my sights on where I’m going and my goodbyes to where I’ve been.” The driving percussion and acoustic guitar really set the scene for the rising intensity through the piece even though the lyrics are somewhat simple and repetitive.
Rivers in the Wasteland is a feel good, comfort-music journey that will leave your heart a little lighter at the end of it. Although it’s not the best album to come out all year, you’ll find yourself humming the chorus of some of the songs all day after you’ve heard it. It’s definitely worth a listen!
Rating: Listenable
