With Porches., Kevin Farrant helps put the “we” in weird, working alongside childhood friend and resident eccentric Aaron Maine. But as Rivergazer, Farrant has slowed his roll. Instead of all-out abnormality, Farrant—plus Hunter Davidsohn and Kolson Pickard—crafts songs that are simple and familiar, yet imbued with a grandness that keeps things fresh.
“Safari Jack”, a supreme slice of bouncing garage pop, took us by surprise earlier this month. Now on “Whimper”, Rivergazer’s second single, Farrant churns out dreamy nostalgia with just a hint of sparkle in his eye. Here, time is both Farrant’s friend, and his worst enemy; over a full, rich background, he laments its passing while still utilizing all it has to offer. “Everyone is pretty in New York City,” he repeats, a mantra that reflects the dizzying pace with which we’re all just trying to keep up. A slower, sleeker take than Rivergazer’s previous single, “Whimper” ends with a slinky, psych-tinged jam sesh, delivering satisfying bites of everything we crave: sadness, wistfulness, joy, regret. It’s fitting that Rivergazer’s debut, out August 12 via Father/Daughter Records, is titled Random Nostalgia; a little here, a little there, Farrant effortlessly pulls the pieces together and makes them fit.
New York shows:
August
09 Hampton, NY @ Adventure Bandits Art Club
14 Kingston NY @ BSP Lounge
15 Beacon NY @ Quinn's
21 Brooklyn, NY @ Shea Stadium [Album Release Show] w/ Flagland, Sharpless, &Small Wonder
