★★★
On their second album,World Feels Wide, Riflebirds continue to showcase their impressive blend of genres and instrumental formations, helped by the fact they’ve got six talented musicians in the group.
Opening track ‘Last Train’ immediately puts your mind at ease with a sweeping country melody and vocals from Rowan Roebig, while the instrumental intro of ‘Dark Highway’ builds to an Americana-inspired anthem. The title track is the strongest on the album, incorporating a bluesy organ riff and some impressive guitar. ‘They’re Out To Get You’ starts with some handy guitar work, before adding impressive saxophone from band member John Crocker.
Apart from having the lengthiest title on the album, ‘The Lamentable Curse Of Mrs. Smith And The 74 Flood’ is also one of its catchiest thanks to the uptempo drumming from Bon Krunic. ‘The Mess’ kicks off with a very catchy harmonica intro, before unleashing Damien Toussaint’s impressive work on the keys. The record ends strongly, with instrumental ‘Jaisalmer’treading into the realm of psychedelia before ‘Goodnight All’, a slow ballad that’s simple but effective.
If you don’t mind a little country twang, this is the ideal music to accompany a boozy Sunday session.
Riflebirds’World Feels Wide is released independently and out now.
