Billboard Canada FYI Track Of The Week: MOONRIIVR, "Mother To Me"

MOONRIIVR is a comparatively new project, but it features some experienced and notable members of the Canadian indie rock community. Joining vocalist Gavin Gardiner (The Wooden Sky) and guitarist "Champagne" James Robertson (Lindi Ortega, C&C Surf Factory) is the rhythm section of bassist Ben Whiteley (The Weather Station), and percussionist Lyle Molzan (Kathleen Edwards, Corb Lund).

The group's recently-released debut album, Vol. 1, came out a few months ago on Victory Pool. A video for one of its cuts, "Mother To Me," debuted this week, and it shows why MOONRIIVR is attracting attention.

"This song celebrates those relationships in life that are strong enough to withstand even the fiercest gales," says Gardiner. "I’ve been learning to accept that time changes everything and sometimes you just have to be ok with where you are today and let tomorrow be tomorrow."

His sage sentiments are framed by his haunting vocals (Chris Isaak is an apt reference point) and the typically eloquent playing of Robertson, here featuring a Hawaiian-tinged twang. The result is a short (just 1:54) but very sweet treat.

MOONRIIVR got its start during the pandemic when Gardiner and Robertson found themselves with time on their hands and a chance to collaborate. The press bio notes that "Armed with a vintage Tascam 388 tape recorder, mellotron and a nylon string guitar the two got stuck in and quickly realized they had stumbled onto something special."

After writing and recording sessions at Robertson's family farm, the pair relocated to Gardiner's Toronto studio, All Day Coconut, added the rhythm section, and completed the musically eclectic, lyrically perceptive, and warm-sounding Vol. 1.

Definitely a project to watch in 2024, MOONRIIVR has upcoming shows at Bo's Bar and Grill in Red Deer (Jan. 25) and Edmonton's Winterruption Festival (Jan. 26). Ticket info here.