Alright music fans, I can’t possibly introduce this album in a way that betters or even equals the way it introduces itself, so first and foremost – press play.
Thunder Bridge, by The Circus of Ethan Rivers, is an old-school organic rock and roll project, a live jam centred by slick and catchy songwriting, elevated by a raspy vocal born to perform in this way. Think blues rock, Americana, rock and roll, all carefully intertwined throughout a live-sounding album of nine original tracks. What’s more, Thunder Bridge is the dynamic duo’s debut – an impressively established playlist of energising gems, and a timeless style reignited amidst a series of modern reflections.
Headstones is the opener and is all of this, a stylish and uplifting rock sound, with a great rhythm both vocally and musically, a soaring guitar solo, and a topic cleverly darker than the implied optimism and energy of the set-up. We even get a brief acoustic interlude during the final quarter. It’s a fantastic start, to what proves a consistently immersive and fairly addictive rock album.
Devil’s Backbone Blues mellows things out slightly, a more nostalgic slide-guitar blues rock sound and a humble, intimate vocal – a welcomed shift that quickly highlights the versatility of the band, and indeed, the importance of effective album arranging. That voice shines beautifully in both the explosive passionate setting and this more stripped-back, contemplative one; a fact made clearer still as things roll along.
Consider the ferocity and rightful performative venom of Cottonmouth (Never Trust a Snake), then the starkly juxtaposed acoustic fingerpicking that introduces Tell Me That. The power of contrast is undeniable, and the two songs provide a sort of roller-coaster listening experience that’s beautifully hypnotic. The latter builds into more of a new metal hit at its peak, dark and scornful, emotional and bold; another varied aspect of The Circus Of Ethan Rivers.
DFW is a fascinating highlight – a sudden acoustic groove, a spoken metaphorical and philosophical segment that provokes thought, and a slide guitar sound that’s shoulder-swaying and impassioned as it slowly rains down all around. That voice again works it magic, the soulful ache of uncertainty connecting in a whole new way.
And to contrast this again, we move into an old-school punk-rap delivery and tune, for the powerfully anthemic AmeriKa – another piece of music that requires you to dive in for yourself, rather than simply be told of its themes or style. As a hint though – the anti-establishment lyricism more than meets the needs of the genre comparison.
The live performance prowess of The Circus Of Ethan Rivers stands tall for the knees-up blues rock hit You’re In Texas, and continues throughout the gentle lows and intensified highs of a mildly theatrical and brilliantly captivating Step Right Up – a creative highlight for sure.
Then to finish, the title-track Thunder Bridge sets an acoustic, smoky bar vibe, with sound bites and fragments that lead us into a melodic and distinct, catchy and addictive final highlight. All former concepts and reflections peak here, Thunder Bridge has made its intentions known – the band have ignited a diverse yet mighty modern blues rock sound, and their passion and sense of purpose at the helm is unrivalled. Absolutely an act worth knowing about this year.
Find The Circus Of Ethan Rivers on Facebook, Discord, Instagram & Temple. Follow Ethan Rivers himself on Instagram & Facebook. Find Logan Howard on Instagram.
