Wild Rivers:: Jade Bird

Wild Rivers is an indie pop band from Canada, known for their emotionally charged, folk-influenced music.  Formed in 2015, the band originally started as a duo, consisting of Devan Glover (vocals) and Khalid Yassein (vocals, guitar, keys).  Over time, they expanded into a full band including Andrew Oliver.  For this tour, they have incorporated Julien Laferrière on drums and Abby David on bass to enrich their sound, blending elements of indie folk, rock, and pop.

Their music is characterized by harmonies, heartfelt lyrics, and acoustic-driven melodies, often touching on themes like relationships, love, and self-discovery.  Popular tracks like “Wandering Child”, “I Won't Be Back”, and “Thinking 'Bout Love” have earned them a loyal following.  The band has steadily grown through touring and releasing music independently, building their reputation in both Canada and internationally. 

They just got back from touring Europe with Noah Kahan and dropped their new record Never Better.  At their show in Nashville, they played several songs off of the new record, along with some of their older fan favorites.  They even announced a new record coming soon despite having recently released one.  They told the audience that they had taken a month-long writing trip to Joshua Tree, California to get back to their roots, be secluded, and just write.  They wrote so many songs that they needed to be split into two records.  The new album is a collection of some of the more up-beat, happy sounding songs they have released.  The to-be-released sister album, Better Now, is more in line with the reflective break-up song category that they often fall into.  Glover described these two albums as the first album being your ‘ho phase’ after a relationship, and Better Now is the realization of ‘oh shit, I'm single’ that usually comes after.

The show was a beautiful and emotionally charged experience, blending acoustic folk vibes with indie pop energy.  The shows had a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that allowed the band to connect deeply with the audience.  Devan Glover and Khalid Yassein's harmonies were a highlight, their voices blending seamlessly to create raw, honest vocals that resonated with the crowd, often encouraging sing-alongs.  The band's acoustic, folk-inspired sound, layered with guitar, keys, and percussion, added to the warmth of the performance, making it feel personal and down-to-earth.

Their setlists shifted between quiet, somber moments and more upbeat, energetic tracks, offering a dynamic range that kept the mood engaging.  The emotional depth of their lyrics, which often explored themes of love, heartbreak, and self-reflection, created a sense of vulnerability that drew the audience into their storytelling.  Between songs, the band had an easygoing presence, interacting with the crowd and sharing stories, which created a friendly, conversational atmosphere. 

Wild Rivers' concert left fans with a profound sense of connection and emotional resonance.  The blend of engaging harmonies, personal storytelling, and vibrant  performance created an experience that felt both heartfelt and uplifting.  The band’s genuine interactions and the warmth of their acoustic sound ensured that the concert was more than just a show—it was a memorable, shared moment that lingered long after the final note.