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Rivers Edge: Head First

This is a self-produced album from a band that refreshingly doesn't take itself too seriously. The album presentation makes it clear that gutarist Chris Baigent is the nucleus of Rivers Edge, which evolved after Baigent's former band Cactus Lounge disbanded. Other band members are Mahoney Harris (vocals), Billy Squire (piano), Paul Taylor (drums) and Steve Diprose (bass). The album has had a long gestation, with some songs recorded as far back as 1998, and the most recent being completed last year at Earwig Studios with Darren McShane engineering. As well as the usual instrument lineup, sounds such as creaking doors make their way into the mix, giving a somewhat avant-garde feel. The lyrics are intelligent and thoughtful, but with a fair bit of quirky thrown in, on songs such as Orange Peel-Her. The style is folk/light rock/pop, largely based around acoustic guitar. Recorded and mixed by McShane, the production quality is a little on the raw side at times, but here this makes for a more 'real' result, rather than having everything compressed to death. I get the feeling that they would be an entertaining band to see live. For more info, see riversedge@yahoo.co.nz

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