RIVERSEA EP, downloads and reviews

[Marc Atkinson]

Hi All  

Just to let you know that the RIVERSEA EP is now available to buy as downloads (39p per track) as well as in it's original CD form from http://www.qrock.co.uk/catalog/index.php

Ive pasted below some reviews we've had so far...

Best wishes

Marc  

REVIEW ONE:
http://www.seaoftranquility.org/index.php
Riversea: The Demo EP
Riversea is a fresh sounding, new 'song' based musical project out of the U.K. specializing in the delicate, softer sounds of modern post-progressive rock. Consisting at present of three musicians, vocalist / guitarist Marc Atkinson, guitarist Paul "Q" Cusik and keyboardist Brendan Eyre, The Demo EP is a sneak peak towards a full length release scheduled for 2009.
The true test of a songs strength and emotional impact is how well it holds up when stripped down to its purest state. Judging by the results on The Demo EP it's apparent that not only do these five compositions pass that test with flying colors, but what's equally remarkable is the three tracks which claim to be demos sound pristine and ready to go just as they are.
Opening track "All Around The World" kicks things of in majestic fashion as Eyre's plaintive piano serves as a perfect musical backdrop for Atkinson's equally poignant vocal delivery. Set against a rather minimalist percussive arrangement, Cusik's atmospheric guitar textures provide splashes of color in all the right places. Next up is an acoustic run through of "Lift Your Soul" which lyrically is a positive and uplifting song that takes flight immediately with an absolutely stunning melody and soaring, layered background vocals. The bittersweet moments continue into "Eden", another standout track that finds Atkinson digging deep into his soul, channeling the heartfelt emotion into the performance of his life. Eyre's shimmering piano once again acts as the backbone and Cusik contributes a resplendently melodic solo reminiscent of Hackett-era Genesis. The disc concludes with the two demo tracks "The Great Divide" and "Out Of An Ancient World". Accompanied only by Eyre's graceful piano playing and a slight symphonic element this track is another perfect vehicle for Atkinson's rich and soulful voice, as well as a prime example of just how strong a composition can resonate even after being stripped down to nothing more than its bare essentials. "Out Of An Ancient World" closes things out and operates along the same lines as "The Great Divide" with just trace amounts of electronic percussion, acoustic guitars and more lush piano and keyboards to get the message across.
The Demo EP is an absolutely radiant jewel from beginning to end, and it only took one run through of these five 'tasters' to have me yearning for more. The material is top notch all round and the skills of each musician are highlighted equally. I have no idea how they plan to improve upon these five stellar compositions, which as I mentioned sound great just as they are. How and what they decide to add to these songs remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, this EP demonstrates that they've already got the groundwork firmly laid for what should be a very promising future.
Track Listing
1) All Around The World (demo)
2) Lift Your Soul (acoustic)
3) Eden (acoustic)
4) The Great Divide (demo)
5) Out Of An Ancient World (demo)
Added: December 14th 2008
Reviewer: Ryan Sparks
Score: 4 Stars

REVIEW TWO:
http://teessideprog.blogspot.com/
RIVERSEA: The Demo EP

"If you haven't heard of Riversea I would urge you to check them out pop
pickers. I have just been listening to a demo ep given to me by their keys
man Brendan Eyre. There are some wonderful moments on this disc and it's
left me wondering what the forthcoming album has in store. `The first song
on the ep is a piece called "all around the world". A very haunting song
about the worlds decay and misery. Should you click the appropriate places
on the Riversea myspace you can see the accompanying video. I defy you not
to have a lump in the throat after watching it. The next song is a lilting
song called "Lift your soul". Mark Atkinson's voice seems to coast through
this polite and inoffensive little number and his acoustic guitar is
sumptuous. Prog for the ladies methinks. If there is one particular track
that steals this little demo aperitif it's track 3, Eden. An absolute
stunner. Made all the better by Paul Cusick's hard edged electric guitar
which steered the band away from the sedate nature of these beautifully
crafted songs. The Great Divide puts the band into the slower mid years
Genesis type pieces. Last but not least "out of an ancient world" would not
be out of place on a Tony Banks album. Delicate, soothing, haunting with a
feeling that there is a lot in reserve. These were my findings with the
five beautifully sculptured tracks included on this taster of an up an
coming band teetering on the edge of prog. Songs that get into your head
and stay there with strong lyrical content supported by some fine guitar
and nicely textured keyboard and piano. have a listen for yourself, i don't
think you will be disappointed.
The Teesside Progmiester"

[RWA]

That's great Marc but I have the Cd all ready!  :lol:

Loving it to pieces btw. Top stuff.
I demand a full album this year or I'll hop over to your island and beat the crap out of you.

Fair enough?!  

[Marc Atkinson]

That's great Marc but I have the Cd all ready!  :lol:

Loving it to pieces btw. Top stuff.
I demand a full album this year or I'll hop over to your island and beat the crap out of you.

Fair enough?!  

yeah, fair comment  

We're working hard on the full album right now. Cant wait to get it out intothe 'Big Bad World'  

Glad to hear you are enjoying the EP...

Best wishes

Marc  8-)