Rivette – 7”

Release Date: 23/08/2019
Label: None

The last time I heard from the Finnish rock’n’rollers Rivette, it was when their first proper EP, In Vertigo, was new. I said that they were adept rockers who knew what they were doing and really, when a band is just beginning to burgeon (or is that not what it’s called?) all you can expect is that they continue doing so and improve (looking at you, Pale Waves, for stagnating in the worst way.)

So this time, they have a nice little 7” out with the total content being two songs total. Since this is the case, I am going to be going over the songs one by one.

First up, we have First Round’s On Me. Immediately, you are hit by a wave of nostalgia and longing – the feeling that drives this song with its acoustic embellishments and lyrics waxing poetic about the good times gone by is the end of summer, the beginning of autumn. Apropos, too, because the thing is, this is the rock’n’roll of times gone by, in every sense. It’s the song that plays at the end of a particularly good gig, bittersweet. Hats off for building something transcendentally beautiful in the best of ways.

Then we have Raining Down a Heart which is more like the encore song, the penultimate track leading in to the glorious, bittersweet, heartbreaking finale. Marked by the same rhythmic structure and acoustic guitar embellishments, it is a touch more sweet than bitter.

Both tracks are incredibly well-produced and well-rounded. It’s the type of sound I wish somebody would sit John Baizley down and tell him about – it’s organic, wonderfully (a)live and extremely pleasantly dynamic.

Thing is, with both of these tracks, Rivette show a deeper immersement into rock’n’roll of a younger variety without the Dawson’s Creek type angst coloring their output. The jubilant air and the “sweet weariness of days” feel that both of these songs come from is unmatched in its simplicity but also its basic, uncomplicated yet nigh-universal scope. The instrumentation does not really flex much in the way of pure strength (though the bass is still delectable and the drum fills are delicious) but I’d say it’s all for the better.

In short, I believe it’s high time these guys came up with a full-length. Those of you who want something softer but more from the heart, take a listen.

Line-Up:
Esa Pirttimäki – Electric guitars, vocals
Mårten Gustafsson – Drums, percussion
Mick Nieminen – Bass
Konsta Vertanen – Electric & acoustic guitars

01. This Round’s On Me
02. Raining Down A Heart

Rivette Official / Bandcamp 
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