I was very pleased to record the River Rats last June and July at one of my favourite facility in Berlin, Kreuzberg.
This first EP features great songs with a lively and down to earth gypsy touch. From the broken-hearted “Checkmate”, to the lighter and humourus “Gypsies” (both from Matthew Monahan, USA), from the somehow désinvolte “Paris” to the bohemian “El Dorado” (both from Camille Franc, France).
Some of these tunes are little gems.
The track list (in random order):
“Paris”, “Scoundrel”, “El Dorado”, “Checkmate”, “Gypsies”, “Sign Here”.
Cam and Matthew share the lead vocals in their respective tongues (French and English). Matthew also plays the rhythm guitar, and Cam, the violin. Antonio and Tiz laid down some really swingin’ tracks, and even bouncy and groovy for tracks such as “Gypsies”. Does “Scoundrel” bare some kind of Zappa influences ? I forgot to ask.
What struck me immediately is the nice vibe, the harmony among the band members (not that I quarrel with my own bandmates;). I was also very impressed by the quality of their repertoire, granted they have only been together for a few months !
The River Rats are performing live this evening, Saturday 29.8 at the Musique Maudite Festival in Moabit, Berlin.
If you see them live, don’t forget to buy 5 CDs, for yourself and your friends. The more CDs they sell, the sooner they ‘ll get back in the studio !
Well prepared and rehearsed, focused, productive and to the point.
Great sessions !
It was a pleasure to mix the tracks!
Thank you,
Virgil
SEGAL MUSIC 