Americana and roots sextet Singing River is jumping into a new era with the release of their upcoming EP, Shoutin’ Good Time.
Set to be available on Friday February 13th, the album contains four songs that preach the importance of keeping the art of human touch in music.
Kicking things off is “Lost By The River” — their most recent single — which delivers an endearing combination of Nashville twang, Memphis soul, and roots rock. It has hints of old jazz and blues, as well as folk — often considered the all-encompassing sound of Americana these days.
“Lost By The River” features harmonica solos that transport listeners to simpler times, while keeping the overall feeling of the tune upbeat and joyful. Lyrics such as “You only get one lifetime to live a point of view” emphasize a perspective of opportunity as you move through the life you are given.
Following “Lost By The River” is the title track, “Shoutin’ Good Time,” which offers a colorful message that speaks to how much the duo loves to live a simple and gleeful life. “Oh all the devastations in every turn / Oh all the situations we can’t ignore in our own world / We’re havin’ a good time / Hey a shoutin’ good time,” they proclaim.
“I Thought I Heard Bob Dylan Say” is a ragtime inspired track with an impressive amount of instrumentation, seemingly delivering an ode to “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35” with its plodding New Orleans horn-driven rhythm. “I thought I heard Bob Dylan say / There’s no hope in the grave,” the chorus refrains. It’s a throwback vibe again staying true to theme of getting back to the basics of humanity.
Wrapping up the EP is “King of the Minor Leagues,” Singing River’s lead single for the release back in October. It’s a rockabilly-leaning tune that revolves around youth, as they reminisce on their earlier days, with lyrics such as “I was a king in the minor leagues / And it was only for a couple of weeks / She gets close and you’re gonna freeze / I was a king in the minor leagues.”
After spending the first few years of their musical endeavors as a duo, Singing River co-founders Mike James and Anthony Kuhn made the decision to expand to a six-piece ensemble for the creation of this EP. Past works of the group include their 2024 debut full-length album Talkin’ Destination Blues and their 2022 EP, Everyday Love.
Singing River aims to continue their roots-driven musical growth as time progresses. “We were never looking to be confined to that ‘old-time’ stereotype,” says James. “For me, the American song tradition is still very much alive and well—you just have to recognize that it’s there.”
Keep an eye out for Shoutin’ Good Time February 13th and subsequent shows to follow.
