Hear the term singer-songwriter and many people will think of those old seventies icons, or, if their thoughts turn to something more contemporary, a more commercial image is conjured: some pop poseur wielding an acoustic guitar or chart-bound chancer riding troubadoric coattails.
I say this only to illustrate, in comparison, what a perfect blend of music Untold River makes, and “Tragedy on Market Street” typifies his ability to blend those well-honed, traditional songwriting sounds with a thoroughly modern take on the genre. The result is a song that leans into authenticity and integrity, advancing the acoustic-pop/indie-folk cause without pandering to its often style-over-substance, quick-hit, blink-and-you ‘ll-miss-it attitudes of the current age.
No, this is the opposite of all that cash-till ring nonsense. A song built on gentle rhythms and observational lyrics, soaked in seductive sonics and driven by the rise and fall of subtle dynamics.
And not only does the song feel as if it builds a bridge between generations and genres, but it is also the result of shifting geography. The song might be recognizably British in its language, resolutely Manchester in its story, but with the man behind the Untold River name calling two countries and three cities home – Manchester, Seattle, and San Luis Obispo – there is a smart mix of roots music garnered from across the western world informing, infusing, and influencing the music.
Modern, accessible roots music at its finest.
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