Singing River – Shoutin’ Good Time
It’s hard to believe it’s been nearly 10 years to the date that we featured Hawker M. James’ Long Playing Lo-Fidelity as our album of the week (yeah, we know, we’ve been at this for a long time)… But if it’s any indication that we’ve been on our BS for the last decade, we’re delighted to feature Singing River, which shares members (Mike specifically, more on that later); still NY-based, still making incredible music. They’re here with Shoutin’ Good Time, an Americana affair that pairs blues, country, indie rock, and folk into a rip-roaring, rowdy time… Like something you’d hear in a horn-soaked saloon. Project masterminds Mike James and Anthony Kuhn (and their accompanying band, in total, a six-piece ensemble) layer this EP thick with big guitar energy, bolstered by harmonicas, sleezy horns, and genuinely good vibes. It’s wrapped up in a nice little bow that pays homage to traditional American songwriting – a resulting collection that feels timeless, classic, and refreshing all at once. Here’s a little bit more about the EP’s inspiration from James:
“We were never looking to be confined to that ‘old-time’ stereotype… For me, the American song tradition is still very much alive and well – you just have to recognize that it’s there. It’s literally in us… No machine can ever do that, but it’s up to us whether we lose that skill or not. Because we’ve always had people who were just playing dress-up. That’s never been my thing.”
“Lost by the River” is an incredible way to kick off this album and instantly earned our nod for EP favorite. Up-stroked guitar stabs peek out behind wailing harmonicas – cheers of “Let’s go” ring out like real-time calls to action. Lyrics about getting out of a small town add to the down-home charm, and even though it’s a plea to GTFO on some level, it always feels ebullient and uplifting. The band masterfully slides into track two, title-track “Shoutin’ Good Time,” another song with these riveting, real-time callouts. “Have a shoutin’ good time” and even a well-placed “Let’s do it again!” give this one a barnburner feel – literally and figuratively. It’s one of those songs you’d love to hear at a bangin’ backyard shindig – big band and all.
“I Thought I Heard Bob Dylan Say” is the band at their most “unhinged,” pairing gritty, gravely-throated vocals with lyrics that name drop Dylan, Fogerty, and other classic American songwriters. There’s even a tuba solo somehow, with accompanying woodblocks. It’s evidence that these two have really orchestrated this entire affair – more than just some twangy guitars and soulful vocals, although those are integral to the vibe too. Closing track “King of the Minor Leagues” harkens back to a bit of a surfy vibe, bringing to mind the Beach Boys with a hint of that early ’50s rock n roll energy.
Sure, Shoutin’ Good Time could have come out 70 years ago, but in 2026, it is truly unique and feels one-of-a-kind and well-thought-out. There are many ways to support Singing River and Shoutin’ Good Time. Check them all out here.
Categorised in: Album Reviews, Rochester
This post was written by Nick Sessanna