Rivulets & Violets' second release, Promise, has been a long time coming. I can remember going to a Dime Store Prophets/Model Engine (Black Eyed Sceva)/Dryve concert and seeing Rivulets and Violets' t-shirts for sale, not to mention hearing a few of their songs on a 5 Minute Walk sampler that I picked up about the same time. That was in 1997. I believe it was just Masaki and Jen Hollingsworth at that time. The lineup has changed since then, but their style is the same.
For starters, there are now three female lead vocalists: Hollingsworth, Mindy Verdecchio, and Robyn Spitzer. Together with Masaki and Sam Hernandez they form the newer Rivulets & Violets.
Promise is a complete album. Musically, Masaki and Hernandez, with a slew of guest musicians, create a beautiful, atmospheric sound that is consistent throughout the album. Each song is different enough to keep the listener entertained. Often, in this style of female-driven modern rock, it is easy for an entire album to tune together. There are several standout tracks, including "Promise," "I Hate You," and "Delivered."
Overall, this is an album worth owning. If you need a break from the aggressive sounds of much of today's modern rock and just want to relax and listen to well-written and well-performed introspective music, this should do the trick. Definitely recommended for fans of Sixpence's slower stuff or The Sundays.
3.5 tocks
Other coverage for this album
ReAL Magazine 2000Reviewed by Adam L.Have you ever had a CD that you put away for months at a time, only to discover you really like it? Such is the case with Promise, the major label debut album for Rivulets & Violets, a San Francisco acoustic rock band with some killer connections. Just what are those connections, you ask? Well, the major one is Masaki, who has been a producer for bands such as Dime Store Prophets, Five Iron…Bandoppler 2000Reviewed by Sucré MusiqueAt first, you might be tempted to say, "Is that a Sixpence tune?" The breathy, pop soprano vocals are definitely reminiscent of Leigh Nash, and at times, the guitars could pass for Slocum fingering. Nonetheless, R&V does not seem derivative. Instead, they envelop a style that is often attempted by too many bands that cannot carry it out as well as Rivulets does here. This album does not…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Chelsea LewisAfter many changes to Rivulets and Violets' band lineup and sound, their newest album, Promise, is a new beginning for the band. The new lineup consists of Jen Hollingsworth, Robyn Spitzer and Mindy Verdecchio on vocals, Masaki playing guitar and violin, and Sam Hernandez playing bass. The original band was the creation of Masaki, who had released an album called Rivulets and Violets, but that…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Kerry MaffeoThough freely compared with the likes of Sixpence None The Richer and Sarah McLachlan, Rivulets and Violets charms their way through their latest album replete with a variety of styles and musical influence evidences to comprise their latest, Promise. Although musically similar to others in their genre, Rivulets and Violets present a beautiful blend of sweet vocals, gutsy melodies and thought…The Phantom Tollbooth 2000Reviewed by Steven S. BaldwinPretty and perfect; delicate and delicious. Layers of wispy female vocals harmonizing together smoothly. Waves of well played guitars, ranging from jangly to atmospheric. Deftly played percussion, poetic lyrics, and the occasional orchestrated flute, violin and cello arrangements. Songs that carefully combine mood and a touch of melancholy in an ultimately upbeat way. Sound familiar? If imitation…Similar sounding releases
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