It's been two years now since Shallow Bed, the debut album from London indie/folk/rock outfit Dry The River, shuffled onto record store shelves, and those who follow the band have probably only just stopped listening to it on repeat.
There are many things to love about this band: their raw power, delicate harmonies, and rousing choruses are just some of the elements that make them great -- both live and in the studio. With "Gethsemane," all of this is retained, without any over-familiarity.
Within the first few seconds of "Gethsemane," all the fond memories of hearing Dry The River for the first time come flooding back, with Peter Liddle's wavering vocals drifting into view. There's a warmth to the track immediately, helped by quickly emerging harmonies. Then the band begins to do what they do best -- taking a small, innocent melody and building up to an epic, driving soundtrack.
Dry The River has never been averse to a good old Bible reference (and not just in their standout song, "Bible Belt"), with "Gethsemane" being no exception. Lyrics such as "Testify allegiance with more puncture wounds than Jesus," give the words an added weight, bringing an element of mysticism to Liddle's carefully chosen words.
The climax of the song sees the tempo slowed right down, with the whole band singing, playing, and making the kind of gorgeous racket that you'd expect them to. It's the same formula, but is by no means tiresome, with Dry The River giving an anthemic and fitting ending to a song that will get you dancing and singing.
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