New York-based band Singing River consumes with a captivating blend of folk, blues, ragtime, and roots rock on their new EP, Shoutin’ Good Time. Expanding from a duo after 2024’s full-length into a six-piece, co-founders Mike James and Anthony Kuhn immerse with an EP that feels communal and alive. It’s a representation of a band that embraces the American song tradition as a living, evolving lineage that requires artists to authentically synthesize their influences into a unique voice, rather than merely imitating the past.
“Lost by the River” kicks the album into enjoyable gear, with pulses of playful guitars and soaring harmonica melding with timeless-feeling allure. “We got the highway blues,” a confident vocal delivery lets out as twangy, country-friendly guitar tones emerge. A triumphant, perseverant character then arrives during the title-referencing sequence, exclaiming “we’re lost by the river” as small-town escapism intertwining with a warming array of frolicking guitars, layered brass, and sturdy rhythms. Captivating guitar work traverses enjoyably into the final minute, and then into a pulsating, satiating conclusion.
The EP’s title track arrives next with a jubilant, rollicking infectiousness. Initially jumpy momentum and introspective vocals expand into an expressive arsenal of twangy guitars. “I wasn’t much for education,” a relatable vocal disposition emanates, pairing thoughts of restoration and betterment with the carpe-diem temptation of simply embracing the good times amidst devastations. Shades of Harry Nilsson show enjoyably in the good-time lyrical aspirations and contagious brass/guitar interplay.
Another standout, “I Thought I Heard Bob Dylan Say” struts a throwback ragtime allure as free-flowing, enjoyably blaring tuba and trombone combine with memorable guitar twangs and ardent vocals, at points attaining a raspy vigor with Tom Waits-esque charm. Its lyrical prowess stirs as well, invoking the spectral voices of Dylan, Fogerty, and Laine to confront moral rot and spiritual longing, with the plea “let the good souls out” being especially resonant.
EP finale “King of the Minor Leagues” invigorates as well, strutting themes of fleeting yet exciting success within a brisk rock ardor; its self-aware lyrics frame youthful triumph as its own victory, using baseball as metaphor for romantic near-misses. A stirring display of rootsy rock from Singing River, Shoutin’ Good Time is an EP abundant in quality songwriting.
