When Rivers Meet / Addicted To You, Their Best Album Yet

September 2023 saw When Rivers Meet release Aces Are High to wide acclaim. This was an album that I said in my review at the time was just right to propel the band to the next level. Now, I am no Nostradamus, but Aces Are High hit the UK Top Ten, and the band’s UK tours, which followed, have seen packed venues across the country. Under two years later, Aaron and Grace are back with album number four and Addicted To You is, in my humble opinion, even better.

When Rivers Meet – Addicted To You

Release Date: 23 May 2025

Words: Paul Hutchings

The songs of Addicted To You still retain their signature sound, as one would expect, but the variation throughout proves yet again that this is a band with no intention of standing still.

They capture the essence of their live sound in the opening title track, which has a bluesy riff running through it. Dual vocals get you involved from the start, and a funky rhythm demands you tap your foot. With a gloriously soaring chorus that sees the best of both singers from the start, it is a fine introduction, with a lovely twist that slows the pace before it ramps up to a fine finish.

If you have listened to When Rivers Meet before, you will know there is not one label that they wear. Instead, we get another heady mix of Americana, blues, rock and even Folk. The retro sound of Break Free sees Aaron take the lead vocals, something that we discussed in recent interviews, whilst the defiance of Still Standing shows the resilience of this proudly independent outfit. 

The first truly breathtaking moment comes on Coming Up For Air. An evocative, sensual track containing some beautiful harmonies and arrangements, it is a song that hits the emotions and demonstrates this couple’s breadth of talent. Aaron plays the perfect foil to Grace, who delivers a career-best performance. Live, this should be a real ‘hairs on the neck’ moment.

As on Aces Are High, the quality is sublime. There is a groove to recent single Never Change that is addictive, and in contrast, there is a dirty grunge vibe to Preacher, one of my favourites on the whole release. When you need a bit of grit, then When Rivers Meet can bring it. This should be another one that rocks big time live.

Whilst the focus is not always on musicianship, Preacher is an ideal example of how subtly nuanced the compositions on Addicted To You are. Listen deeply, and you will hear it. 

They do ballads rather well, of course, and Tree Of Life is another one to add to the collection. Gentle and caring, it is a couple of moments to take stock and embrace life.

In contrast, the jarring Soft White Sand carries a swampy stomp that sees the tempo and direction veer off completely. Both songs are examples of the way that When Rivers Meet bring variety to their sound.

Concluding this album is a tribute to The Rapids, the band’s fans. When Rivers Meet is the song that has been coming for some time, and it does not disappoint. Aaron’s slow picking and the dual harmonies praise the support from one of the most dedicated sets of fans around. 

Full of heart, passion and soul, Addicted To You is a fine album. I would be surprised if the band do not crash into the Top Ten again with this album.

Their forthcoming tour promises to be excellent, whilst a fuller set of dates in the Autumn will provide further opportunity to catch one of the UK’s finest bands.

In the meantime, sit back, and enjoy the best album the band have made so far. 

When River Meet release Addicted To You on 23 May 2025, which can be pre-ordered from here. For tour details and tickets, visit WhenRiversMeet.co.uk.

May

23may7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet - GlasgowOran Mor

24may7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet - NottinghamRescue Rooms

26may7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet - SouthamptonThe Brook

29may7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet - NorwichThe Waterfront

September

28sep7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - BathKomedia

October

02oct7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - StamfordCorn Exchange

03oct7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - NewburyArlington Arts

26oct7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - AberdeenThe Lemon Tree

31oct7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - SouthportThe Atkinson

November

01nov7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - ManchesterBand On The Wall

02nov7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - LondonIslington Assembly Hall

06nov7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - WolverhamptonKK’s Steel Mill

07nov7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - BarnsleyBirdwell Venue

08nov7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - GatesheadGlasshouse ICM

09nov7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - CarlisleOld Fire Station

20nov7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - CardiffThe Globe

21nov7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - ChesterThe Live Rooms

22nov7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - GloucesterGuildhall

27nov7:00 pmWhen Rivers Meet / Tree Of Life Tour - ReadingSub 89

Sleeve Notes

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