A Guide To Rivers & Robots' Discography
A nostalgia trip if there ever was one.
Hi Pal,
Welcome to another newsletter. Bonus Stuff is an umbrella column for ideas that do not fit into the other content brackets I write here.
I’m currently walking towards 100 subscribers here. I want to hit that target before the year ends. You can check out the albums on all platforms using the embedded links on the titles.
The release of Jonathan Ogden’s new album took me down memory lane a bit. The reason why his voice is so memorable and distinct to me as a listener is because I am such a massive fan of his band, Rivers & Robots.
Rivers & Robots are an indie worship band from Manchester UK, whose name is derived from the blend of acoustic (rivers) and electronic (robots) sounds that they use in their creative process. In early 2021, the band went on hiatus with current members — Jonathan Ogden, Nathan Stirling, Caleb Choo, and Philip Shibata — pursuing other creative projects.
As much as I have enjoyed following them and the solo projects that have come from Ogden and Shibata specifically, I will always wait for the return of the band. Today we will be walking through the relatively short (and rich) discography of Rivers & Robots.
P.S: I did not include Rivers & Robots Presents: Still, Vol. 1 (Instrumentals) to this list. But you are free to check it out as it’s quite cool too.
The Great Light [2011] — Electronica, Indie Rock
What currently exists as a four-piece band was, at this point, still a solo act by Jonathan Ogden. Yet, right from the first track, it is clear that the foundations of what Ogden intended for this project to be in quite clear. The electronica feels are present on every track, balanced with groovy and diverse indie rock infusions. All in all, it’s a wonderful starting point for this band.
Take Everything [2012] — Dream Pop, Experimental Indie
On Take Everything, Ogden builds his previous release and everything sounds bigger and better. It almost feels like he is released from creative shackles and even the way he sings and the mixing of his vocals are quite different. My biggest takeaway from this album is its eclectic nature. Ogden abandons the core indie rock sensibilities of the previous album almost completely, delivering songs that range from dream pop and indie pop to indie folk and folk rock.
All Things New [2014] — Indie Folk, Folk Rock
At this point, Rivers & Robots has since gained three more members, David Hailes (guitar and ukelele), Nathan Stirling (bass, guitar and percussion) and Kelani Koyejo (drums) and it shows. On balance, it is the most acoustic/organic album in their discography. Although, songs like “Fall Down” still maintain the electronic elements of previous albums. this album is mostly acoustic in its application and quite stripped down. It’s a wonderful experience all around.
The Eternal Son [2016] — Indie Pop, Indie Rock, Neo-Psychedelia
As the second full-length album recording of the quartet, The Eternal Son brings together elements of everything that Rivers & Robots has been over the years. They are at the height of their creative powers here; with the psychedelic funk sensibilities of a tune like “A Love That Carries Me”, the psych-lofi feels of “High Priest” or the soulful saxophone additions of the title track, this album is truly a landmark in their discography.
Discovery [2018] — Pop, Neo-Soul, Indie
By this album, the band has perfected the art of writing infectious grooves laced with electronic goodness. Although, Koyejo had been replaced by Caleb Choo and Hailes had also quit the band; the most incredible thing about this album is how this band clearly had more strings to add to their bow. With the neo-soul slant of a song like “Satisfy”, collaborations with Lucy Grimble and David Brymer — on “Brighter Than The Sun” and “Burn For You” — showing new sides to their songwriting capabilities, while still improving on their established sounds on tunes like “Dreams” and “Author/Perfector”, this album has a little of everything.
My Recommended Listening Order
The Eternal Son [2016]
Take Everything [2012]
Discovery [2018]
The Great Light [2011]
All Things New [2014]
That’s it, everyone.
See you soon!
What’s your favourite album from Rivers & Robots? Talk to me.