A jangly, catchy gem from Florida-based artist Shane Malone, “River Devotional” shows a hooky rock sound throughout. Once the quainter, contemplative introduction subsides, a perky array of jangling guitars and punchy percussion envelops. Malone’s vocals play with a charismatically attractive quality, reminiscent of Jens Lekman’s perkiest efforts. “Like a river, it ebbs and it flows,” Malone sings during the delectable hook. The chorus’ second entry is accompanied sharply by swooning backing vocals, interweaving subtly though effectively into the pleasing bridge, three minutes in. “River Devotional” is solidly on replay for me, touting a jangly, infectious charm that persists.
Malone says the track “plays with the concept of the river of life, and the existential dread that comes with becoming an adult.”
—
“River Devotional” and other memorable tracks from this month can also be streamed on the updating Obscure Sound’s ‘Best of February 2021’ Spotify playlist.
The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Rock.
