“Psychopaths”
Reese Van Riper, has dropped the final bombshell in their musical trilogy, aptly named “Sinners Saints & Psychopaths.” The concluding act, “Psychopaths,” plunges headfirst into lyrical madness, a schizophrenic symphony of riffs and beats that pays homage to the likes of Tom Waits and Captain Beefheart. Nestled within this sonic labyrinth, a rap interlude tips its hat to Van Riper’s diverse musical influences, from R.L. Burnside to the Man in Black himself, Johnny Cash.
But “Psychopaths” is more than just a manic musical tapestry; it’s a culmination of the entire 30-song opus that started with “Sinners” and continued through “Saints.” “Sinners, Saints & Psychopaths” is an album that revels in the primal, celebrates the divine, and reflects the untamed heathen residing within us all. In this epic compilation of songs, there’s a little something for everyone, a musical journey through a spectrum of emotions and experiences.
“SAINTS”
New Jersey indie blues rock icon Reese Van Riper’s latest album “Saints” is the 2nd part in a 3 part trilogy entitled “Sinners Saints & Psychopaths”. “Saints” is full of addictive choruses and soulful somber hits which evoke emotion that uplifts the spirit. The combination of Reese’s constantly evolving songwriting skills (being a student of greats like Nick Cave, Tom Waits and Drive-By Truckers), powerful hooks and hypnotizing melodies makes “Saints” not only an absolute hit in this trilogy of albums but also one of the best albums in the band’s entire catalog.
“SINNERS”
“Sinners” is the first part of a 3 part trilogy album entitled “Sinners Saints & Psychopaths”. The dark americana folk rock showcases one of the most badass songwriting voices in the Garden State. Papa Reese says of the first single “Make It To The Grave” that it is indeed “an homage to traditional Americana kind of eerily similar to Tom Waits.”
“THE SWAMPS ARE BURNING”
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Reese Van Riper has been called the most prolific artist in New Jersey releasing 3 albums in 2020. Papa Reese and his band come roaring back with their most diverse album in 2021 ‘The Swamps Are Burning’. With a mix of alternative 90’s rock on songs like “Cars” & “Your Neck Too”, 2000’s emo in the song “Astrology” and even tapping into sludge metal in their song “Jötunn: Cry Of The Valkyrie & The Grigorian Sons Of God”. Every song on this album is essentially a dynamic gem and many are in a style you would never expect from the Jersey Swamp Rockers.
The title track “The Swamps Are Burning” is an homage to their Jersey Swamp sound. The first stomp holler single of the album “Well Runs Dry” added some gang vocals and guest vocals from Jané Miranda to keep it on the rails with their classic rustic nature yet adding the heaviest breakdown the band has written to date! The entire album ends with an epic waltz titled “Clown Walk” which has an outstanding video directed and produced by Arielle Paredes to boot. Check it out here. All in all an incredibly solid album by these NJ Indie Rockers who pull off everything from bluesy folk to all out metal breakdowns.
“YOUR DREAM IS DEAD”
While keeping their rustic nature and vintage sound, Reese Van Riper return with their latest full-length record Your Dream is Dead. With soaring, lush vocal melodies overlaying a melancholic sound, the album clearly defines its tone. From the harsh “I Am Georgia” to the delicate “Catch Me”, the album spans multiple genres without sacrificing the sound that the band has cultivated with their past records. Moments of beauty are challenged by moments of lonesomeness. “Your Dream is Dead” is a very balanced and exciting ride from start to finish.
Your Dream Is Dead is Reese Van Riper’s 10th release and 6th full length album. It will be his 4th release this year with Mint 400 Records, following up Revelation (a re-release), Electric City, Bourbon at The Lake EP and now this amazing collection of songs. This definitely cements him as on pace to be the most prolific artist in NJ’s indie scene.
“Electric CITY”
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Electric City is Reese Van Riper’s 8th release, 5th full-length album, and first release with Mint 400 Records. This album immerses you in electric guitars and neon-like keyboards while driving to a steady pace of bass and drums mimicking the intricacies of a muscle car’s engine. Driving you through the sunset streets of Electric City. From the war call in “Knives Out” to the cruise down the moonlit drive at the end of “Strange”; this album will be an instant classic and one that you’ll want to listen to again and again. Reliving your time in Electric City.
“Maple Shade Motel”
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A collection of songs written, recorded, and produced by Papa Reese himself from the years 2006 - 2009. Papa Reese plays all the instruments and sings all the notes you hear on this singer-songwriter indie americana album. The album kicks off with a singalong in “Hey Diddle Diddle” which features kazoos and banjo. Love songs “I Want You” and “You Look Like Someone” hook the listener in while eerie ballads like “What Have I Done” and “Just Like Home” bring about a darker side. This album presents the original recording of their hit song Pitchfork with “Pitchfork ‘08”. The album closes with the title track “Maple Shade Motel” an emotional song about love and betrayal.
