Artist description Propelled by the dynamic songwriting skills of singer/guitarist Benjamin Parent, the Rivergods combine dual harmony vocals, driving guitars, and atmospheric pedal steel to meander a dark yet diverse landscape of American music; breaking through the clutter with a brand of roots rock that is fresh, compelling, and ultimately, uplifting.

Music Style Alternative Country

Musical Influences Neil Young, Flying Burrito Brothers, Jay Farrar, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Steve Earle, Wilco

Similar Artists Wilco, Son Volt, The Jayhawks, Whiskeytown, Uncle Tupelo, Flying Burrito Brothers, Steve Earle

Artist History The Rivergods were formed in the spring of 1997 in New London, CT by two local songwriters, Ben Parent, and Eric Gelfond, whom had played together previously in a popular but ear-splittingly loud electric guitar-based band called Radiotricity. Bored of noisy feedback and posturing lead singers (but not with rock n' roll itself), they began exploring more sublime musical landscapes like folk and insurgent country. Soon they were writing songs on instruments their last band would have surely scoffed at: dobro, acoustic guitar, mandolin, accordion, and piano. In the fall of 1997, they met a musician who's "Hank-meets-Hayden" playing style would help to round out this new, rootsier sound, violist Amanda Just. In 1998, the Rivergods enjoyed success playing venues and outdoor festivals on the Connecticut shoreline, along with a slew of bars and coffee shops from Providence to New York City. Tired of hearing the question "do you guys have a CD out?", the Rivergods went into the studio in June of 1998, to begin work on their debut EP entitled "510 Main Street". They worked with local pedal steel guru Don Phee, and female vocalist Nancy Brossard. In late 1998, Eric announced his amiable departure from the band for personal reasons, and Nancy joined full time. With the addition of Brossard, and her heart-breaking soprano (and guitar and pedal steel talents, to boot), the Rivergods became a stronger musical force than ever before. Because of the line-up changes, "510 Main Street" was shelved. In the fall of 1999, the Rivergods went back into the studio to record new tracks for their first full length CD entitled Capsule. Virtually all of Capsule was recorded in one long weekend (save the track "Circus Bird", the sole surviving track from the 510 Main Street sessions), giving it a spontanteous, energetic feel. Capsule was released in March of 2000, to both critical praise and the delight of fans, and is almost sold out of its initial pressing.Today, the Rivergods continue to enjoy critical acclaim and a loyal fan base around New England, and are in the planning stages for recording their follow-up to Capsule. With the latest musical addition being the amazing fingerwork of lead guitarist Jim Carpenter, the band has been steering toward a more rocking, yet more organic direction. Though the line-up of the band has meandered a bit throughout the years, and continues to evolve, the core and essence of the Rivergods remains: solid songwriting, passionate vocal deliveries, and great live performances.

Group Members - Benjamin Parent - Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Harmonica - Nancy Brossard - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Pedal Steel - Jim Carpenter - Lead Guitar, Mandolin - Jim Gannotti - Bass, Vocals - Rick D' Elia - Drums

Instruments Electric & Acoustic Guitars, Pedal Steel, Mandolin, Bass, Drum Kit

Albums "CAPSULE" - Out now!!!!

Press Reviews "Capsule is a radiant album that can stomp and shuffle, or sit back and contemplate life and love. The Rivergods cover a lot of ground, and cover it well..." - Nick Zaino III - No Depression Magazine(See complete review at www.therivergods.com)

Location New London, CT - USA

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