UK-based acoustic folk-roots duo, River Roots, continues their musical journey with the release of “Gentle Elemental,” intertwining soothing harmonies and resonant strings to create a soundscape that seemingly flirts between imbalance and unison, offering listeners a transcendental auditory experience.
The song, rich with references to yoga, elemental forces, and nature, is introduced with vocals singing in cannon, symbolizing a certain disarray. A significant shift, and a subsequent feeling of balance, is brought about by the addition of the D chord, melding voices into unison for the closing chorus.
Beyond its melody, “Gentle Elemental” holds a particular significance for the duo, being the first song Matt and Gem wrote together as a couple.
River Roots, comprising Matt (Leeds) and Gem (Manchester), crafted this track, which they describe as a confluence of various influences – world music, singer-songwriter, alternative, and folk pop – into a tranquil yet transformative piece.
It’s not just a song; it’s a narration of their journey, from their meeting and music creation while traveling Australia in 2012, to their shared nomadic lifestyle that profoundly shaped their sonic journey.
The accompanying music video, filmed on Koh Phangan, Thailand, during a two-year lockdown amidst their travels, mirrors the elemental theme of the song. It features dancers personifying individual elements, ultimately converging into a synergistic dance.
The connection with nature and elemental forces is palpable in the visual storytelling, reflecting their experiences and learnings during their global sojourns.
Their journey has been noteworthy, with their second album, “Coalescence,” being recorded and produced in London by Leon Itzler, who worked with artists like Sam Garrett and Ny Oh.
Their track “Bare Feet” scooped the title of best folk song of the year at the 2020 Reddit Grammy Awards, and they have engaged audiences globally, including in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Asia, with standout performances at numerous festivals such as Glastonbury and Boomtown Fair.
Despite their accomplishments, River Roots retains a grounded approach towards their music and mission: to inspire and spark passion in people to transform their reality through the potent, magical medium of music.
Presently, they are spreading this message on tour across the UK and Europe with Nahko Medicine for the People, sharing their soulful, heart-tugging harmonies and inspiring audiences along the way.
Their narrative, both musical and personal, reflects an authentic self-discovery and soulful creation through travel, connection, and a deep dive into the elemental, providing listeners not merely a song, but a passage into a harmonically balanced world where nature, emotion, and art coalesce.
Watch the video for “Elemental” below!
#Peace.Love.GentleElemental
