This duo, comprising married couple Grace and Aaron Bond, formed in 2016 and released their fourth studio album at the end of May. Originally from Downham Market, Norfolk (near me), they now reside in Essex. These are a couple that really need to be heard. This album sees Grace handle vocals, mandolin, and violin, with Aaron sharing vocals and guitar. This mix creates something unique and special, a cascade of sound, if you like.
‘Addicted To You’ sees the pair deliver an album of power, beauty and diversity. The title track starts the record with both sharing vocals over a big drum beat and powerful lead guitar, both proclaiming that they are addicted, my guess to each other. ‘Break Free’ sees the walls closing in to more pounding drums and scorching guitar. Mr Bond takes the vocals. ‘Still Standing’ has Grace on vocals, with Aaron on backing. it continues where the opening duo left off, though it is a more brooding mid-tempo number.
I am still waiting to be truly impressed, but I don’t have to wait long as ‘Coming Up For Air’ hits the spot to great effect. Harmonising vocals over a delicate acoustic guitar create a summery, shimmering sound. The song builds to the end over keys, with Grace winning the battle of the voices. A groovy rhythm introduces ‘Never Change’; it’s dirty Blues; the vocals are mixed. There is a bit of Funk & Soul for ‘The Preacher’, it has a gospel feel. Instantly, ‘Tree Of Life’ changes that with voices intertwining and wrapping themselves around each other. Grace sings with grace and purity, my favourite so far. The layered vocals create a choir-like sound as it builds to the climax.
‘Soft White Sand’ is so heavy it slips through your fingers. A shuddering bottom end colliding with gritty guitar, the mid-section has radio-like voices giving it a different dynamic. ‘Don’t Wanna To Fight’ takes the album to a new height. Grace pleaded that she didn’t want to fight anymore. The verses are her pleas before breaking into the anger of the chorus, which is interwoven with angst and punchy riffs.
Another song, another twist, the Countrified gospel of ‘Just Let Them’ floats liltingly against a sparse backdrop that makes you listen to a tortured, tormented vocal from Mrs Bond. Having meandered in direction,n we are carried to the point ‘When Rivers Meet’, at times it becomes a trickle before becoming a relentless torrent as two forces combine to form an unstoppable force; which is exactly what When Rivers Meet is.
Overall, it perhaps isn’t as instant as expected; a few listens may be needed to hear all the elements that combine to make this flow, but given time, it all comes together in a spectacular flood of ambition and music.
Buy the album, don’t just stream it!
Review: Paul Mace
The album is available to pre-order now on vinyl, CD and digital-download HERE
ADDICTED TO YOU – Album Credits
Vocals, Violin & Mandolin–Grace Bond
Vocals & Guitar–Aaron Bond
Keys, Guitar & Bass–Adam Bowers
Keys, Guitar & Drum–James Fox
Backing Vocals–Adam Bowers, James Fox, Dan Eden, Craig Garrod, Yazmyn Hendrix
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FULL UK HEADLINE TOUR AUTUMN 2025
SPECIAL HEADLINE SHOWS IN MAY
SUPPORTING BLUE OYSTER CULT @ LONDON PALLADIUM – MAY 25TH
The band’s headline dates are as follows:
ADDICTED TO YOU SHOWS
May 23 – Glasgow, Oran Mor
May 24 – Nottingham, Rescue Rooms
May 26 – Southampton, The Brook
May 29 – Norwich, The Waterfront
TREE OF LIFE TOUR DATES
Sept 28th – Bath, Komedia
Oct 2nd – Stamford, Corn Exchange
Oct 3rd – Newbury, Arlington Arts
Oct 26th – Aberdeen, The Lemon Tree
Oct 31st – Southport, The Atkinson
Nov 1st – Manchester, Band On The Wall
Nov 2nd – London, Islington Assembly Hall
Nov 6th – Wolverhampton, KK’s Steel Mill
Nov 7th – Barnsley, Birdwell Venue
Nov 8th – Gateshead, Glasshouse ICM
Nov 9th – Carlisle, Old Fire Station
Nov 20th – Cardiff, The Globe
Nov 21st – Chester, The Live Rooms
Nov 22nd – Gloucester, Guildhall
Nov 27th – Reading, Sub 89
When Rivers Meet will also be supporting the legendary Blue Oyster Cult at the London Palladium on May 25th and over the summer will be appearing at a host of British festivals including Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Sign Of The Times Festival, Alford Rock And Blues Festival, Bures Music Festival, Brasenose Fringe Festival, Castell Roc Festival, Cottingham Folk Festival, Brightlingsea Free Music Festival and The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival.