Untold River is an artist shaped by both the places he’s called home and the timeless sounds of his youth. Having lived in Manchester, the Midlands of Ireland, Seattle, and now the California coast, his journey is woven into his music, which carries a blend of alt-country and Irish folk. Raised on the sounds of ’90s country and traditional Irish folk from his parents’ records, it feels only natural that he’s found his way to the American West, a fitting backdrop for his music’s wide, open soundscapes and reflective storytelling.
Folk music has become a hot commodity and a burgeoning scene for young songwriters, so when a unique voice emerges through the cracks, it is easy to be washed in refreshing celebration. Untold River is one of those artists who can capture the essence of folk traditions while putting their spin on the storied genre. His latest single, “Only Son of a Navvy,” emphasizes this sentiment. The twinkling ballad is filled with heart, prowess, and imaginative storytelling. The shining acoustics playfully dance next to the rugged vocal delivery, creating a world of emotionally dense textures for the listener to get lost in. River’s twists on the genre become clearer as the song progresses. His storytelling reaches new heights of honesty, and the shimmering acoustic guitars slide into stunning electric melodies, emphasizing the artist’s personal touch to the genre. “Only Sun of a Navvy” introduces River as a forward-thinking songwriter who can keep one foot in tradition and the other in his lofty yet relatable artistry.
“I’m so proud of this song,” says River. “I feel as if it epitomizes what I have been going for with Untold River, and that wasn’t even my intention.”
