Derbyshire Blues-rockers, These Wicked Rivers, release a new single titled ‘Horse To Water’ from their forthcoming third studio album ‘Fire and Folklore’ set for release via Fat Earth Records, October 2nd 2026.
The new single, ‘Horse To Water’ draws on a difficult subject matter close to the band’s heart. It confronts the reality of addiction, and how someone can only be helped once they are truly ready to receive that help. Keys player Rich Wilson states: “I’ve known many people over the years, as I’m sure we all have, who have suffered from various addictions. Some made it to the other side and some sadly did not. Running and hiding, cheating and lying – this is the reality for people caught in the midst of the cycle. The horse won’t drink if it doesn’t want to. It’s taken me a long time to realise that sometimes there’s nothing you can do until someone wants help.”
The single is accompanied by a video filmed last month at The Retro Bungalow in Preston, complete with all the signature These Wicked Rivers mise-en-scène (lamps, drinks globe, grandfather clock and even a doily!)
Speaking of the video location, singer John Hartwell remarks “If you’ve ever seen us live, you’ll know it’s not a These Wicked Rivers show unless we bring along half the contents of our Nans’ living rooms to adorn the stage and make everyone feel at home. When we stumbled upon the Retro Bungalow we knew immediately we needed to do a music video here – it’s like a tailor-made movie set built especially for us. It suits the vibe of the song perfectly.”
Watch video for new single “Horse to Water” HERE
The song recounts the pain and frustration of addiction and the damage it can do. Lead guitarist Arran Day says of ‘Horse To Water’: “This was one of the first songs we started writing and performing live from the forthcoming new album and it’s already a staple of our live set since our fans seem to love it”
The album was recorded in the band’s U.K. hometown of Belper, Derbyshire, which is also the home of revered and prolific GRAMMY Award-winning producer Andy Sneap (Sabbat, Judas Priest, Saxon, Megadeth). These Wicked Rivers spent a month working with Sneap at his home studio together with producer Colin Richardson (Slipknot, Massive Wagons, Those Damn Crows) and Engineer/Mixer Pete Newdeck.
‘Horse To Water’ was written originally by band multi-instrumentalist Rich Wilson who explains “I’d had the chorus for the better part of ten years, then finally felt inspired to finish it. It was originally going to be a slower and sadder affair but then I heard Midnight Rider (by The Allman Brothers Band) and thought about those three-part harmonies… we’ve road tested it a fair bit and are really happy to have captured that live feel in the studio.”
Lead guitarist Arran Day continues: “For me it’s a song that captures all the magic we have within the band, the rich vocal harmonies between John, Rich and Dan. The call and response part between the guitar and bass and a song that I believe, when people hear it, will light a fire inside of them that only rock and roll can. A sound inspired by all the wonderful energy of the 1970’s and a song we’re truly all proud of.”
Engineer/Mixer Pete Newdeck states: ‘Horse To Water’, was one of those songs that was only ever going to have that ‘feel’ by getting the lads to record it without any restrictions; no click track, no stop start etc. Andy (Sneap) is a big fan of organic songs and getting bands to play songs as live as possible in the studio, to get that feel we all were looking for. It allowed first ideas to be printed to track, without too much change, or critique, and allowed the band to be the band. Vocally, the harmonies really added that special feel and taste.”
About the recording, singer John Hartwell states: “Being local lads, it’s been a real privilege to be able to record the album so close to home in beautiful Derbyshire, a stone’s throw from where some of the songs were written. To work with such experienced and talented producers has been a real eye opener and a great learning experience.”
Andy Sneap isn’t the only local the band have teamed up with on the record. Fiercely proud of their Derbyshire roots and the following they’ve established there, fellow Derby artist and country music star Kezia Gill guests on the track ‘Sing Another Song’, exploring the band’s more Southern/Country leanings.
‘Fire And Folklore’ is the band’s most accomplished body of work to date, expanding beyond their signature wizard-blues rock sound into new sonic territory, blending shades of country and southern spirit while retaining the groove and soul that defines them.
The album consists of ten tracks and the band had a clear vision for the running order – “We decided the tracklist with the vinyl experience in mind. We’re old school, what can I say? We still love the album format. ‘The Healing’ is such a perfect opener” states frontman John Hartwell, “‘Rise’ really kickstarts side two, whilst ‘Sing Another Song’ and ‘Stories’ act as natural bookends.”
With that in mind, ‘Fire And Folklore’ vinyl tracklisting is as follows:
Side One
- The Healing
- Horse to Water
- Ain’t No Smoke
- Love to Love
- Sing Another Song feat. Kezia Gill
Side Two
- Rise
- Brother Oh Brother
- Better Man
- Woodland Queen
- Stories
