Drawing on the album rock of the 70’s and the eclecticism of the 80’s, New River Uprising rocks without being plodding or abrasive, and manages to keep things melodically and harmonically interesting without gimmicks or self-conscious quirkiness. The lyrics lean toward the metaphysical, providing a positive antidote to the mopey songs of alienation and failed relationships that are all too common today. Song titles like “Voila! Combustion” and “All This Bliss” are typical.

The band came tog...