Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

JFH Music Review


Rivers & Robots, The Eternal Son
CLICK COVER TO ENLARGE

Rivers & Robots
The Eternal Son



Artist Info: Discography
Genre(s): Electronic / Alternative
Album length: 12 tracks: 59 minutes, 25 seconds
Street Date: May 20, 2016


READER RATING:   


In the music industry, there is certainly no shortage of talented British artists. I could name names, but it'd make for a much longer article than is necessary. Instead, the focus here is on one particular band from Manchester called Rivers & Robots. These fellows have released a couple albums with Come&Live!, and despite C&L!'s shift away from the music industry, Rivers & Robots have forged ahead, creating new music that's pleasing to the ears and glorifying to the Lord. The Eternal Son is their latest work, and it pleases and glorifies all the same.

From the get-go, Rivers & Robots display versatility, with a vintage, psychedelic-esque song in "Wait For You." The song, which yearns for the coming of the Lord, also takes cues from bands like Sherwood, Pacific Gold, and, to a lesser extent, Two Door Cinema Club. This blend of indie and pop rock (both modern and classic) is the backbone of The Eternal Son's sound. But despite some of the pop rock flavors, Rivers & Robots is pretty mellow for the most part. "To the Highest Place" is a simple, piano-led worship song that would fit really nicely in the middle of a live album (you know, when everything gets really serious and solemn), and the following track, "Who Is Like Our God," sounds quite a bit like Bon Iver's "Holocene." I was even a bit surprised later in the album, in the title track, when I was greeted with a relaxing melody played on a saxophone. It was unexpected, but enjoyable.

One of the top tracks is "A Love That Carries Me," which, musically, is one of the busiest tracks, but not in an overwhelming way, as busy songs can be sometimes. The band explores with some alternative musings and synthesizers to create a spacey background sound. I especially like the vocal melody. My favorite track overall comes near the end in "You Know My Name." A deeply personal track about not only the relentless love of God, but also the intimacy of having a personal relationship with Him. Lyrics like "Though You're infinite in wisdom, powerful and mighty, still You call me Your friend, though You're seated in the heavens, King over creation, still You call me Your friend" showcase the idea of God's greatness yet willingness to have anything to do with us. Such a thought should humble man, yet it's still so hard to comprehend. Add to it a mild electronic soundscape, a la Canopy Climbers, and it's a great song all around.

Before this album, I had heard only a song or two from Rivers & Robots. But The Eternal Son has been in almost constant rotation since I got it. It's catchy, versatile, and worshipful. In fact, it's the worship album I'd recommend most of 2016's offerings thus far. It's hard to really define their sound with one or two genre classifications, but if any of the other bands I mentioned above caught your eye, you may be a good candidate to enjoy this album.

- Review date: 5/20/16, written by Scott Fryberger of Jesusfreakhideout.com



(JFH Sponsor Spot)

Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

 

. Record Label: Set Sail Records
. Album length: 12 tracks: 59 minutes, 25 seconds
. Street Date: May 20, 2016
. Buy It: iTunes
. Buy It: Amazon Music (MP3)
. Buy It: Bandcamp

  1. Wait For You (3:57)
  2. Fullness of God (3:49)
  3. One Day With You (3:41)
  4. To the Highest Place (4:01)
  5. Who Is Like Our God (4:59)
  6. A Love That Carries Me (5:06)
  7. High Priest (5:29)
  8. Home (4:25)
  9. Lift Up My Eyes (4:54)
  10. The Eternal Son (5:55)
  11. You Know My Name (4:29)
  12. Jesus, Your Blood (7:40)

 

 

 

 

 



Leave a Comment

 

 

go to main Album review page
go to Album review archive

 

 

                 
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Search JFH



This Wednesday, October 8, 2025
SINGLES
Amy Jay Back to What's Natural - Single (independent)

This Friday, October 10, 2025
ALBUMS
Citizens m us eum [Anotherland Records]
Jesus Culture Send The Fire: Live From London [Capitol CMG]
Tasha Layton Life in Me [BEC]
Myles Maestro Dead End Road - EP [Syntax]
Make Sure Starry May Morning (independent)
SNT. VINCENT Final Greetings [Syntax]
Razzie Digital Psalms - EP [Syntax]
Josh Wright LEAD (Deluxe) (independent)

SINGLES
Holly Brand One Thing He Wouldn't Do - Single [Integrity]
Chosen Road Daddy Was a Navy Man - Single [Thoroughbred]
Drakeford Writing on the Wall - Single (independent)
EJ Swavv & Jeff Knox Deja Vu - Single [Syntax]
Kelo Memory Lane - Single [Syntax]
MAYIA Pass Me Not - Single [Syntax]
Kevi Morse Like You - Single [Syntax]
Jeannie Ortega Decipher - Single [Syntax]
Run51 Song Of My Soul - Single [DREAM]
Zane Vickery Name (Live at Greenbriar) - Single (independent)
Vineyard Worship & Dreaming The Impossible Praise You For Eternity - Single [Vineyard]

Next Friday, October 17, 2025
ALBUMS
ANTHNY DIARY ENTRY 1 [Provident]
Blanca Full Bloom [Curb]
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas [Gaither]
Geoff Moore and The Distance Foundations (Re-Release) [Girder]
Geoff Moore and The Distance A Place To Stand (Re-Release) [Girder]
Nate Parrish Make Me A Mountain (independent)
Psallos The New and Better Way: Hymns of Hebrews (independent)
Anne Wilson Stars [Capitol CMG]

SINGLES
Zane Vickery All Things New - Single (independent)

DVD
Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas DVD [Gaither]


For all release dates, click here!
 

Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
Check out depositphotos for royalty free images