The six-track Raindrop River EP started as a single music coping with solitude. “It’s about in search of refuge—a mild escape the place troubles fade,” says Oliver Hazard frontman Mike Belazis of the title observe, which was written by guitarist Devin East. “For a short second, you possibly can merely exist within the current.”
Limiting modern-day distractions has turn out to be form of an m.o. for this unassuming hearth folks trio with a country, stripped-back sound ruled by the uncomplicated whims of Belazis and East. One would assume there’s loads of prime spots for quiet contemplation in Waterville, the small city close to Toledo the place the Ohio natives are stationed nowadays.
Belazis and East got here collectively formally in 2016, after the latter joined the previous onstage for an impromptu gig at a neighborhood bar. Selecting a reputation that references the decidedly untrendy Nineteenth-century conflict hero Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, they acquired keyboardist Nate Miner and set about cultivating a sturdy pre-COVID following with the assistance of gracious hosts in residing rooms all around the nation. Forgoing TikTok and like, the band discovered a fair bigger viewers because of a correct nationwide tour and appearances on the Bonnaroo and Mountain Jam festivals.
Raindrop River (Nettwerk) is the primary new music from Oliver Hazard since final yr’s self-titled full-length. The EP was produced by Grammy winner Jacquire King (Kings Of Leon, Tom Waits, Dawes), who met the band at one in every of their living-room gigs.
We’re proud to premiere Raindrop River in its entirety right here.
—Hobart Rowland
See Oliver Hazard reside.
