Rive emerged in early 2024 as a two-person venture: Charles on drums, Romain on guitar and vocals. Growing up worshipping Japandroids, the two never doubted they could unleash enough noise from a duet format. After just a few months of songwriting experiments, they recorded and produced a four-track EP called Believing, released on a low budget yet shaped to remain both raw and comfortably listenable.
This band merges emo, post-hardcore, and near pop-punk in a very intriguing, organic way, and it’s a shame there are so few songs on this EP, because they sound stellar and show they have a genuine heart for melody and storytelling, making it a pleasure to hear.
Influences range from Touché Amoré, Thursday, At The Drive In, Basement, Birds in Row, DIIV, to Jawbreaker—each hinting at the alternation between melodic sweeps and unpolished intensity.
“Believing,” the title track, features hardcore-inspired vocals on a 3/4 beat, tied to an emotional chord progression. The lyrics question whether a life outside religion lacks some essential dimension: “Am I missing something?” “TIC,” an emo-pop punk piece, circles around repetitive habits: “When the table is clean is my mind less messy?” “Care” underlines self-confidence, suggesting we shouldn’t fret over what others think. “Wrong Decision” warns that one delayed visit or single lapse can keep you from saying goodbye at the crucial moment.
Hailing from Evreux in Normandy, Rive benefits from a tight-knit alternative culture that allows quick connection with local artists, event organizers, and venues.
One key spot is Spore, a brewery hosting its own concert lineup, where Rive plans to perform soon. Now that the band is no longer just an idea, they’re keen to meet new people and gather fresh experiences.
Future steps include more songs, a second EP scheduled before summer, and even a full album in 2026.
As Romain puts it: “I hope all this information will be helpful. Thank you so much for your interest and let me know if you need anything else.” The first taste of Rive is out on Spotify and Bandcamp, and while it’s brief, “Believing” shows a clear heart for melody and storytelling that makes it hard to resist.
