After a lull in music being sent our way from late December through to early January, things have picked up massively now and the reviewer intray is quickly filled to overflow. There are only three of us here and we kind of dip in and grab when we find something appeals, whether we know the artist or their agent – whatever! In this case I knew neither but noted the new band and found the band name intriguing, so felt like a dip in.
“Without You” is the beautiful new single by My Girl The River, featuring Kris on production, vocals and acoustic guitar, husband Joe on bass and harmonies, and daughter Rue on harmonies. Recorded at Saltwell Studios by Chris Pepper, who also plays drums, it also features Alan Young (Serious Child) on piano, Harry Whittey on organ, and Steve Lee on guitar. Steve Lee described it as ‘classic pop song writing’, ‘A love song to get lost to’. Baylen Leonard of Absolute Country called it ‘a super lovely song’. Kris says, ‘You know who your rock is and sometimes we are the rock depending on the situation. Joe is my rock. I wouldn’t be here creating new music now if it wasn’t for his support and belief in me as a songwriter. But it goes deeper than that. He’s my rock in life. He does so much for me..’ She also adds ‘this song is influenced by great sixties songwriters like Dan Penn.’ A lovely old school feel, thoughtful and simple in its arrangement and style. Fans have heard it live and given it a massive thumbs up. Without You is the second single from the forthcoming album “Manifest Good Things” which, after a successful crowdfund campaign, will be released in September of 2026. My Girl The River consists of family members Kris Wilkinson Hughes (songwriter, vocals, guitar), Joe Hughes (bass, vocals) and Rue Hughes (vocals). Guest artists drop in on guitar, organ, piano, horns, strings and drums. Strings. Their acoustic cover of the hit “No More I Love You” gained national attention in the UK in late summer 2025. “
My Review:
Described as folk/Americana the track has a very strong vocal performance, gentle harmony and a sense of late night ambiance. I’m not sure I got a sixties feel that the band notes, but I did pick up something of Dusty Springfield in her “See all her Faces” sessions. I would see the track playing well in an intimate setting, it is one of those you relax into and I believe this is part of a crowdfunded album to appear later this year.
I find one song is never enough to come up with an opinion so I dipped into a previous track called “Information Highway” which includes a fun little video filmed in the garage (I liked the teenager taking a selfie lol). It retains a simple, stripped-back, musical feel. Again, late night listening to unwind to, but by no means background – you benefit from listening and flowing along with the lyrics.
My Girl The River’s Without You is a quietly captivating folk/Americana track built around a strong, intimate vocal and gentle harmonies that invite late-night listening. It’s the kind of song you don’t just hear in the background—you sink into it, letting the lyrics and mood slowly unfold. Subtle, thoughtful, and emotionally grounded, it points toward an album shaped by care rather than noise.
✨ One for headphones, low lights, and letting the world slow down — Without You is out now
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Band website here
By Anna-Louise Burgess