Riverblind
Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand | SELF
Music
Press
By Ania Glowacz
Tool - we have to start there because there's just no getting away from their influence on this debut recording from Wellington-based Riverblind. The 30 minutes of this five track EP/ album sound formidable, showing the three-piece are definitely a band to follow up on. Beyond the Tool comparison, this is a darkly beautiful beast, dynamic and well thought out. Dave Kempton (gat and vox) and bassist Dan Simpson, with drummer Tim Whitta recently replaced by Stefan Sarten ex- of metal band Vatikan, Riverblind only began life in 2005. Fast growing interest in their live shows encouraged them to capture these tracks in 2006, followed by mastering at Studio 301 in Sydney in the middle of 2007. Although technically entering into circulation last year, the band have since changed drummers (now Stefan Sarten), and only this November begun touring their wares. - NZ Musician Magazine
"Riverblind was the ideal band to seal a brilliant Wellington Live Music showcase gig, on a rainy Friday night at the bathhouse. Despite the weather, a big chunk of the crowd stuck around to see the heaviest band of the night, I even spoke to a group of people who heard Riverblind from the street and were so intrigued they had to come in. Riverblind’s sound is unique in the sense one can hazard a guess at their obvious influences( Tool, Muse, Queens Of The Stone-age, Kyuss) yet they’ve done a great job of assimilating some really cool musical influences, and sieving them out to create their own sound. If you’re seeing Riverblind for the first time, it’s very hard to predict what’s going to happen next. Just when you assume an earth-shakingly heavy passage will unfold, you’re drawn in by hypnotic delay-fuelled guitar riffs, with soulful bass grooves and dexeterous drumming, and then the wall of sound finally arrives, complete with a soaring vocal component, and it’s one of the best live acts in the country in this reviewers opinion. If you’re after straight-ahead three chord rock, this isn’t the band for you. But conversely, if you’re sick of boring music and think that no-one’s taking any risks anymore with their arrangements and approach, Riverblind could be the band for you. Riverblind’s e.p ‘ Mind-Estate ‘ is in selected stores now, but they are definitely at their best, live. " - Joe Ryan
By Charlette Weston
Riverblind are a heavy band. Launching into their first song with all guns blazing, they caught the crowds attention immediately, then brought the music right back, like the eye of a storm. And these guys have a stage presence. I don’t say that lightly, as there are many great local bands, but not all have such a charisma on stage.
Riverblind masterfully use dischords, unusual scales and punchy minor keys, creating a unique, sometimes abrasive, intense listening experience. Tim Whitta is a master on the drums, his experience in percussion act Strike obviously being put to fine use. Dan Simpson plays a six string bass, which can just be wanky on some but he really pulls it off, using all strings from one end of the fret board to the other. At times the main melody came from the intricate bass playing. This is a guy who clearly loves the music he makes.
Then there’s Dave Kempton. This man’s voice haunts me. Distinct and powerful, and quite eerie, Dave has an unusual and beautiful voice. But his singing isn’t let down by the guitar, which is dynamic, creative and inspired. Halfway through the set Dave pulled out his trumpet, and he played it with soul. I’ve never heard a trumpet played like that before.
These guys are just an incredible live act.
The only weakness is a lack of vocal hooks, but hey, this ain’t pop music. I couldn’t sing along, but I could quite happily listen for a long time. Their performance is so intense I almost felt light headed afterwards. Occasionally I got a bit lost in the wanderings, it being on the experimental end of the spectrum of my musical taste, but even so I was still absorbed. As always, the wicked sound and lighting at Valve allowed the band to really perform.
Riverblind’s music is dark and aching and intelligent, and their musicianship is impressive. - wellingtonlivemusic.com
Discography
E.P. - Mind Estate
Released 2007
5 Tracks
Music video made for single "Checking The Sun" - aired on C4 music channel.
Album - Hour Of The Wolf
Released 2009
8 Tracks
Single "Unsettled Scenes" and various other album tracks getting airplay on New Zealand radio stations.
All tracks streaming online.
Photos
Bio
Based in Wellington, NZ and formed late 2005, Riverblind is a band intent on pushing the boundaries of their art and providing the audience with a sense of inclusion and discovery.
The quartet play an eclectic form of rock infused with jazz that has been called “dark, aching and intelligent” - wellingtonlivemusic.com, and the group was touted as “the most mind-blowingly original act we’ve ever played with” by Made In China.
NZ Musician Magazine called their first recording “a darkly beautiful beast, dynamic and well thought out” made by a group who “sound formidable” and were “definitely a band to follow up on.”
Riverblind have two commercial releases. 2007’s EP ‘Mind Estate’ and their first full-length album ‘Hour Of The Wolf’ released in 2009.
In late 2005, after playing together briefly in a short lived Wellington rock band, David Kempton and Daniel Simpson Beck decided to form a new band with acclaimed percussionist Tim Whitta of Strike Percussion. The early rehearsals went well and Riverblind started writing material immediately.
Six months later Riverblind played their first gig. After a series of well-received shows, Riverblind started recording their first EP. Mind Estate was released late 2007 and received positive responses from both fans and reviewers. A music video for single ‘Checking The Sun’ was produced by Rob Appierdo (Dnation) and aired on C4 music channel.
Unfortunately, before the EP could be toured, Tim realised that in order to fulfill his own goals he needed to head to the UK.
Finding a drummer with enough facility and creativity to fill Tim’s shoes was a challenge but after six months of searching and auditioning several very capable players who just didn’t work out, Stefan Sarten joined the band.
With a new drummer and a refocused drive, Riverblind was finally able to tour NZ for the first time in late 2008. The group found new audiences around the country, being especially well received in Dave’s hometown, Dunedin.
Stefan helped encourage a new creative dynamic that led the band back into the studio in January 2009. Riverblind’s first full-length album Hour Of The Wolf was launched at the album release show on August 15th in Wellington to a crowd of very elated local fans.
The band has since been touring regularly and has a consistent flow of new material. Album number two is scheduled for production in 2011.
Links
