You may recognize the name Bay Ledges – he’s shared the stage with some of our favorite indie names like Big Wild, Goth Babe, and Yoke Lore. But the Maine born, Northern California based artist formally known as Zach Hurd proves he is much more than just an opening act with his latest album Rivers.
We’re so impressed with Hurd’s artistry on this album. Produced entirely by Hurd, Rivers showcases his ability to paint a vivid picture with a synth melody and his talents to play a gut-wrenching lick of guitar. The soft indie-percussion shape-shifts throughout the album, grounding each song into whatever emotion Hurd is trying to provoke.
The ten tracks on Rivers each incorporate elements of different genres, but Hurd’s smooth production makes this entire project feel cohesive. The surf rock vibe of “Beach Baby” complements the folky aspects of “Fool,” which in turn flows effortlessly into the glitchy electro breaks of “Kids.”
Here’s what Bay Ledges had to say about the creation of this album:
“During the last three years, the river became a huge part of my life. I’d work on the album and then take breaks and walk along the river, recording voice memos with whatever ideas came to me. After a while I realized that the river is a metaphor for so many things, including writing songs. To me, it’s like fishing in a river—either you’re going to get something or you’re not, and you can’t really force it, but you do have to show up. I think there’s so much power and magic in that.”
We’ve been listening to this album on repeat since it landed in our inbox. It makes for perfect listening throughout the day, whether with a fresh cup of coffee, or setting the mood for a chill night. We highly recommend giving it a listen below. Enjoy!