Derbyshire rockers These Wicked Rivers have shared an acoustic rework of majestic ballad ‘When the War is Won’ ahead of their Planet Rock sponsored UK tour which kicks off this Friday with a sold out show at Bridgwater.
The emotive track features poignant lyrics, tasteful guitar work and delicate strings, combining to create a musical odyssey of emotion and a true fan-favourite live staple.
Speaking of the song singer/guitarist John Hartwell remarks:
“‘When the War is Won’ is a song about winning those internal battles with yourself, and coming out the other side stronger for the fight. We had such a good time reimagining it as an acoustic track and the stripped back vibe really lets the emotions come through.”
Drummer Dan Southall adds:
“This song took a long time to write, particularly the lyrics. We had created the musical skeleton and John was poring over the lyrics for weeks. Eventually I sent some ideas to him and he replied with the final version of the lyrics… I’m forever glad he took so long over them, they’re so powerful and thought-provoking.”
The track was recorded at the Old Cider Press studios with Dave Draper at the helm, and features as a bonus track on the CD edition of latest album ‘Force of Nature’ (review here).
Following a rapturous reception on their recent excursion to Europe, playing to sell out crowds across France, Germany and The Netherlands, Derby’s finest blues rockers return to the UK for their first headline tour since dropping critically acclaimed new album ‘Force of Nature’.
The band has launched a new ‘merlot’ edition of the record on vinyl to mark the occasion – this will be available at the merch desk on tour and also via their web store – here.
In addition, they have announced a major update to tour support with Troy Redfern (Bridgwater), Oli Brown and The Dead Collective (Stoke, Manchester and Leeds), The Hot One Two (Cardiff and Bournemouth) and Dan Byrne (Leicester, Edinburgh, Leeds) now appearing as special guests across the various dates in place of Scottish rockers She Burns Red.
Guitarist Arran Day comments:
“We are delighted to be joined by some very talented friends on the upcoming dates. It’s going to be a special experience sharing the stage with them and playing for our beloved Rivers Family again. Fresh from the release of our second album ‘Force of Nature‘ and some amazing shows across Europe we’ll be bringing the vibes across the UK once more, decorating each room as if it were 1974 and your nan’s just put the kettle on. In times of greed, turmoil and darkness let yourselves escape by joining us for a celebration of peace, love and of course… lampshades.”
Established in 2014, These Wicked Rivers are Derby’s entry to the new wave of rock and roll that is sweeping across the United Kingdom. Drawing influence from the well of rock legends and blues greats, the band have made a huge impact since their inception with their unique brand of blues-infused modern rock steadily picking up plaudits for their gutsy live performances across the UK. Sophomore album ‘Force of Nature’ was released in March 2023 to critical acclaim, landing the band a number 3 in the UK Rock charts.
Collectively These Wicked Rivers are aiming for the top. Described by Classic Rock Magazine as “The sound of what might’ve happened if Clutch got a bit stoned with Audioslave and Zakk Wylde – and then jammed late into the night”, the band blend subtle blues touches with a hard rock edge, adding soulful vocals to create a sound that is as dramatic as it is exhilarating.
These Wicked Rivers ‘Peace, Love & Lampshades’ 2024 Headline UK Tour Dates:
May 17 Bridgwater Cobblestones
May 18 Stoke Sugar Mill
May 19 Manchester Night & Day
May 24 Cardiff Club Ifor Bach* She Burns Red not appearing
May 25 Bournemouth Bear Cave
May 26 Call Of The Wild Festival
May 31 Leicester 02 Academy
June 01 Edinburgh Bannermans
June 02 Leeds Brudenell Social
Tickets: here
June 20 London Dingwalls (supporting The Answer)
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