Hungarian folk group River Flows Reverse is comprised of members of the Psychedelic Source/Lemurian Folk Songs collective. Their recent project, we’re told, was recorded “in a cold shed in the middle of the muddy forest”, but this in fact feels like a perfect location for the conception of this delicate, transcendental folk record When River Flows Reverse.
The group consists of musicians Lőrinc Sántha, Tibor Kovács Ambrus Bence, Gergely Gadolla, Nicolas Delmas, and Benus Kriszti, and within the first measure of the stunning arrangements that they create on When River Flows Reverse, we are fully immersed in their psychedelic, ethereal soundscape. Across the album we find complex rhythms, deeply textured arrangements, and otherworldly melodies, often steeped both in eastern tones and the group’s own contemporary artistic leanings.
A standout moment comes early at the second track, At the Gates of The Perennial. The intention with which each note through the first half of the song is performed is palpable, leaving plenty of room for each melodic phrase to breathe and to be interpreted. But as we reach the song’s midpoint, we are transported through waves of percussive sound, leaning heavily on movement-focused melodies and rich harmonic accompaniments. This track takes the listener on a complex journey that is so pensive it almost feels spiritual at times, making this a true highlight on this project.
Mysterious, inviting, hauntingly beautiful. When River Flows Reverse is a true blend of artistry in composition and exquisite, genre-perfect musical performance. The work of River Flows Reverse on this project can hardly be overstated – few others are creating this kind of boundary pushing, truly modern and original type of folk as well. For fans of dynamic, thought-provoking, and truly inventive neofolk, stream this stunning album for yourself below.
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BELOW: Listen to When River Flows Reverse and connect with their website and social media platforms. Please support River Flows Reverse by visiting them online, and playing, downloading, and/or purchasing their music, or attending a live show! And, as always, thank you for supporting real music!
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