Bedford-based Americana band My Girl the River return with their fourth album, Manifest Good Things, recorded at Saltwell Studio in Cambridge.
My Girl the River comprises Kris Wilkinson Hughes and her husband, Joe Hughes, with daughter Rue adding backing vocals, plus a host of guest musicians, including members of The Mavericks and the Bonnie Raitt band, to name a few.
The band are reinvented and pushing positivity, as the title suggests, in their lyrics with a fully evolved sound, rich in hooks and melody.
The songs combine country and folk with a pop sensibility, elements of Bobbie Gentry, through to The Beautiful South with a Laurel Canyon blueprint.
Tracks include: Breadcrumbs on the Water – reminiscent of Buffalo Springfield, while Living Your Life ups the tempo with a catchy hook, channelling Tom Petty.
Lil Favour is an end-of-the-evening affair with its wistful strings, and the whole album has a comforting, reassuring sound, and Kris’s voice is as great as ever.
Reflecting on the album, Kris says: “This is the best collection of songs I’ve ever made.
“Every track means something to me, and together they tell a story about finding hope, embracing change and appreciating the people who walk alongside us. Growing up and showing up for each other.
“Weathering life together.”
Manifest Good Things is out now and is available on CD and vinyl (or LP as they used to say) as well as streaming.
