Rivers Run Dry is Ian Moss’ eighth studio album, but he shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he might be making the best music of his career.
I’ve already celebrated the singles “Nullarbor Plain” and “Rivers Run Dry,” but this album has so much more to offer. The information on Mossy’s website states “The song selection for Ian Moss’ new album, Rivers Run Dry, was simple. No matter the style or genre, just finding good songs was the goal.” That’s what he delivers here. 12 good songs. No, scratch that, 12 great songs. And yes, as those online comments suggest, there are some unexpected ones among them. “Open Your Eyes” is a funk-forward track that wouldn’t sound out of place in a hot ‘70s disco. “Bury Me,” a duet with Kasey Chambers, is earthy and rootsy. The heavenly voices of a gospel choir make listening to “What Can I Do” a spiritual experience. And I definitely didn’t expect him to close out this album of incredible originals with a Stevie Wonder cover.
River Runs Dry is an album that keeps you guessing, but it’s also one that proves Mossy really can do it all. His voice is maturing like a fine wine and his guitar licks are always on point. He’s an absolute pro who’s made me excited about his music all over again with this album.
Ian Moss will wrap up his full-band shows tonight, but if you missed out don’t worry. He’ll be back in a couple of months with some acoustic gigs. Here are all the dates you need:
18 August 2023 – The Regal Theatre, Boorloo/Perth
23-28 August 2023 – Stranded in the Whitsundays, Ngaro Country/Whitsundays
21 October 2023 – Glasshouse Theatre, Guruk/Port Macquarie
27 October 2023 – Lighthouse Theatre, Gunditjmara Country/Warrnambool
28 October 2023 – Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Gunditjmara, Tjapwurong, and Bunganditj Country/Hamilton
3 November 2023 – Albury Entertainment Centre, Bungambrawatha Country/Albury
4 November 2023 – The Capital Theatre, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Country/Bendigo
10 November 2023 – Airlie Beach Festival of Music, Ngaro Country/Airlie Beach
18 November 2023 – This is Livin Fest, Kabi Country/Rainbow Beach
25 November 2023 – Queenscliff Music Festival, Wadawarrung Country/Queenscliff
8 December 2023 – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, Bpangerang Country/Wangaratta
9 December 2023 – Swan Hill Town Hall, Matakupaat/Swan Hill
15 December 2023 – The Wedge, Wayput/Sale
16 December 2023 – Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Gunaikurnai Country/Traralgon
25 January 2024 – Longyard Hotel, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
Images used with permission from Ferris Davies PRM; main image credit: Robert Hambling