Nathan Amundson is the heart and soul behind Rivulets, with help from various contributors including Bob Weston, Chris Brokaw and Christian Frederickson. The album shadows Amundson’s life, from the age of 16 he left his family home in Alaska and travelled all over America with feelings of loneliness and being unsettled giving the title You Are My Home poignancy. The album is simplistic and earnest, with gorgeous orchestration of string sections and austere piano parts, layered with distorted guitars and double bass. Rivulets show comparisons to Nike Drake, Low, Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) and Sigur Ros, the songs have the same magical feel that Sigur Ros are renowned for, although not using elf language the feelings and emotions behind the song hold the same kind of mystery.
The album opens with 'Glass House' with tinkling acoustic guitar, his vocal sounds fragile and the lyrics delicate "..so what if I adore you, more than anyone...", which is repeated gently over simple instrumentation. The song marks resemblance to Sufjan Stevens and entices you to listen to the rest of the album. 'Can't I Wonder' is a slow subtle song that builds in intensity with distortion and drums giving you a burst of live from the middle of this subtle album. 'Heartless' is a track that is slow, quiet, yet gorgeous and sends shivers down your spine as Amundson sings "...How could you say that/ How could you say that/ You must be heartless to say that...".
The loneliness and the sense of isolation, shows resemblance to Bon Iver as his lyrics and performance is heart felt and sincere. 'Win or Lose' is more forth right and stands out from the other tracks with its rockier augmentation and Caledonia sound, with fiddles and viola mixed over electric guitars, the lyrics are minimalist as "..you either win or lose.." is repeated over this short track. Songs such as 'To Be Home' and 'You Sail On' are performed with double tracked vocals making the sound crystal clear as though he were performing directly in your ear.
The album is closed with 'Morning Light' which brings you back to the similarity to Sigur Ros, with matching vocal tone placed so beautifully next to groaning cello the song allows you to have a final look at Adumndson’s fragile heart. ".. but hide under the sheets all day/but hide under the sheets all day/we were one to fall apart/I don't want to lose your heart…" The instrumentation is delivered so romantically you can hear the heartbreak with every note and chord played.
Although Rivulets album may not be unique with the ever growing singer songwriters in the world, 'You Are My Home' is about being honest and true, which comes across in each song. The album is almost like a having a look into a mans most inner thoughts and learning more about a stranger and backed to beautiful music.
You can keep up to date with all the latest news from Gigwise by following us on Twitter and liking us on Facebook.
The Single Women In Music: For The Guys.jpg)
The Single Men In Music: For The Ladies
Use A Condom This Valentines Day: Musicians And Their 'Love Child'
