Khalid Yassein, Devan Glover and Andrew Oliver pen introspective lyrics and genre-fluid melodies that transmit youthful wisdom. Wild Rivers’ new album, Sidelines—co-produced with Peter Katis (The National, Interpol, Sharon van Etten) touches on coming-of-age themes and embraces the unknown. Sonically, Wild Rivers pull from a spectrum of sounds, imbuing pop, rock, indie and folk into each song’s blueprint. With a whip-smart collection of irresistible pop songs, their melodic sensibilities, tight chemistry and strong harmonies, Wild Rivers process the moment, confronting emotions and admitting defeat. Wild Rivers swim to the deeper side to make sense and meaning of the places they’ve been and witnessed. Formed in the hazy, feel-good days of college, the band developed in the bliss of young adulthood, a time when the present was all there was. They have opened the door to their future – embracing the mysteries that entails. Sidelines rests somewhere between nostalgic, soulful and charming, with mellifluous pop-flavoured hooks that weave introspective lyrics with gorgeous, swelling instrumentation to paint a poignant portrait of growth, life and the joys of the unknown.

— Kerry Clarke