Or so the writing on Rivergods' singer/guitarist/founder Ben Parent's guitar once read. A nod to Woody Guthrie's restless spirit, yes, and a moniker fitting a band, that like many restless bands before it (the Byrds, the Waterboys, the Jayhawks) and many bands since (your band here), not only defies genres, but has worked hard to follow the muse and not be pigeonholed or catagorized.

Yes, there was that whole alternative country movement. The Rivergods aren't really sure what "alternative" means anymore, and are even less sure about the "country" part. The Rivergods aren't quite rock or pop or folk (add an "-ish" to all of those). The Rivergods aren't very traditional or bluegrass-y (although they wield mandolin and pedal steel, and have had banjos and violas in the past). The Rivergods are are blues-y most often only in spirit. The Rivergods certainly aren't Celtic, although they've been accosted for not being that once or twice.

The press from the NEMO New Music festival in 2001 put it like this: "Propelled by the songwriting skills of singer/guitarist Benjamin Parent, and the harmony vocals of Parent and co-vocalist Nancy Brossard, the Rivergods blend driving acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, and atmospheric pedal steel to meander a dark yet diverse landscape of American music; breaking through the clutter with a brand of roots rock that is fresh, compelling, and ultimately, uplifting."... more>