Australian song writing legend Ian Moss returns with his eighth studio album in ‘Rivers Run Dry’, a collection of wonderful songs highlighting Moss’s abilities throughout. Returning for the first time since his last full-length release, his 2019 self titled album, Moss generously dishes out easy listeners for all to enjoy, opening with the title track which is drizzled with hints of gospel during the chorus in an almost ballad delivery, unusual for a first song but one that works incredibly well.
‘Nullarbour Plain’ is an upbeat foot tapper which leaves you feeling you may need to go our to wash the car, because you may have just done the drive yourself, roof down, warm winds in your face and enjoying the nothingness of the sparse landscapes. Co-written by Troy Cassar-Daley, it sits forward as one of our favourites and was the second single released back in May 2023. ‘State of My Emotion’ is a funk-ladden groover before Moss slows things down with the fabulous ‘Bury Me’, with its chain-gang southern roots stomp and beautifully accompanied by Kasey Chambers. ‘Open Your Eyes’ takes us back to a more radio friendly track with hooky chorus, 70’s inspired horns and backing vocals.
We are treated to a revival of one of the best song writing partnerships this country has produced with former Cold Chisel bandmate Don Walker lending a hand to the credits on ‘I Miss You In The Night’, and it does not disappoint, highlighting just how impressive Moss holds a note vocally. It’s song with an almost anthemic vibe and one which I can’t wait to hear live. It’s a collaboration that Chisel fans will relish and one we are treated to once again with ‘The Wish’.
A stripped back piano-led intro draws us into ‘What Can I Do’, a slow ballad that tugs at the heartstrings and is delivered with near perfection. ‘The Last Time’ picks up the tempo slightly with a nice guitar/horns opening with Moss’ noodling underlying his clean vocal. Cassar-Daley lends a hand once again to ‘I’m Going Back’, another slower, piano inspired song. The album closes with a fantastic version of Stevie Wonder’s ‘Blame it on The Sun’ delivered in a way only Moss can, and is joined on vocals by son Julian. A stunning end to a solid album.
Co-produced by Ian and Brent Clark, who also engineered the album, it was recorded with the core band of Zoe Hauptman – Bass (Neil Finn, Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins), Clayton Doley – Keys (Joe Bonamassa, Jimmy Barnes) and Kerry Jacobson – Drums (Dragon, Mondo Rock) with special guests Julian Moss sharing vocals on the Stevie Wonder classic Blame it On the Sun, and multiple award-winning songwriter and recording artist, Kasey Chambers, on the roots inspired Bury Me.
The new album Rivers Run Dry is available to order now on Vinyl, CD, Digital and bundles from here.
8.5/10
1.”Rivers Run Dry”
2.”Nullabor Plain”
3.”State of My Emotion”
4.”Bury Me”
5.”Open Your Eyes”
6.”I Miss You in the Night”
7.”Hold On (The Sun Will Rise Again)”
8.”The Wish”
9.”What Can I Do”
10.”The Last Time”
11.”I’m Going Back”
12.”Blame It On the Sun”
