Emerging from the vibrant music scene of Brussels, Belgium, Rivages is rapidly carving out a reputation for delivering raw, unapologetic rock that resonates with passion, grit, and authenticity. Formed in 2018, the band — composed of Frédéric Joachim (rhythm/lead guitar, vocals, and songwriter), Elio Anzivino (bass guitar and composer), and Xavier Delville (drums) — has evolved into a potent force within the Rock, Grunge, and Metal realms. Their latest release, ‘Mug’s Game’, represents a significant milestone in their journey, showcasing the band’s progression in sound and creativity.
Rivages’ roots are firmly planted in the tradition of alternative rock, yet their work stands as a bridge between eras, melding influences from the raw underground scenes of the past with fresh modern energy. Their 2021 EP ‘Under Fire’ hinted at the sonic explosion to come, and now ‘Mug’s Game’ delivers a full-throttle ride through rock’s most visceral terrains.
The path to ‘Mug’s Game’ has been one marked by bold experimentation and growth. The band’s 2022 live-produced album, ‘You’, solidified Rivages’ reputation for a raw, unpolished aesthetic that pays homage to the grunge and metal icons of the ’90s, while their 2023 release ‘Music Is Sexual’ saw them push their boundaries, incorporating jazz elements and punk undertones inspired by acts like the Sex Pistols. This continual evolution underscores Rivages’ refusal to be boxed in by genre constraints — a mentality that is fully realized in their latest 11-track opus, ‘Mug’s Game’.
From the moment the needle drops on ‘Mug’s Game’, listeners are thrust into a sonic landscape that’s as rugged as it is captivating. The opening track, “Shake”, greets us with a pulsating guitar-driven swagger that sets the tone for the rest of the album — it’s rock n’ roll at its most primal. Rivages revel in creating tension, letting the riffs build and swell before crashing into frenetic climaxes, a style that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.
Tracks like “Thank You Man” unleash overdriven guitars in a fury of bombast, nodding to the aggressive energy of grunge’s golden era. The band’s chemistry is electric, particularly in their ability to pivot from unrelenting noise to more intricate musical passages without losing any of the visceral intensity. Their influences shine through but are modernized with a flair that makes ‘Mug’s Game’ feel timeless, not derivative.
“If I Was Your Shadow” dips into swampier, moodier territory, showcasing Rivages’ capacity for versatility. The song builds on the tension of its grinding, sludgy riffs before erupting into a cathartic release that hits with unrelenting force. It’s one of the album’s standout tracks, bringing a dark, brooding energy that resonates long after the last chord fades.
Perhaps one of the band’s most powerful attributes lies in the way their music feels immediate and urgent yet meticulously crafted. Each note, each scream, and every heavy riff seems designed to strike directly at the listener’s core. Tracks like “Not Our Day” continue this assault, blending dirty, ringing guitars with a deep emotional undercurrent. The album’s soundscape is rooted in a rebellious defiance, but also in raw sensitivity — an intense juxtaposition that pulls you deeper into its gritty world.
What sets ‘Mug’s Game’ apart from other rock records is the emotional weight carried within its ferocity. While the raw power of the music pulls you in, it’s the heart and vulnerability beneath the surface that keeps you captivated. Joachim’s vocals, often rough and growling, carry an emotional sensitivity that is palpable. His delivery balances between a sneer and a wounded howl, embodying the turmoil and angst that defined the best of 90s alt-rock and grunge.
Rivages are masters of creating music that makes you feel something visceral. Whether it’s the primal release of thrashing guitars or the catharsis found in a slow-building chorus, there is an emotional honesty in ‘Mug’s Game’ that refuses to be ignored. Thematically, the album tackles universal themes of disillusionment, introspection, and confrontation, wrapped in layers of distortion and aggression that only amplify their resonance.
‘Mug’s Game’ is not just an album for rock purists; it’s an invitation to anyone who craves authenticity in their music. Rivages tap into the timeless spirit of rock n’ roll — the rebellious energy, the cathartic release, the communal power of a good riff — while imbuing it with their unique sensibility. In a musical landscape that often feels polished to perfection, Rivages’ decision to embrace the raw, the imperfect, and the real feels almost revolutionary.
Their participation as semifinalists at the prestigious Ariston Theater in Sanremo in 2023 further underscores the global potential of their sound. Hailing from Belgium, a country not typically associated with the global rock scene, Rivages are proving that great music transcends borders, and they are staking their claim as one of Europe’s most exciting rock acts.
‘Mug’s Game’ is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a statement. It represents Rivages’ evolution as musicians, as well as their dedication to staying true to the core elements of rock while pushing the genre forward. With each release, they refine their sound, never afraid to incorporate new influences or explore uncharted territory. Their fusion of Grunge, Punk, Metal, and more experimental sounds positions them as a band that both honors tradition and breaks new ground.
If ‘Mug’s Game’ is any indication, Rivages is a band with the potential to leave a lasting mark on the rock scene. This album is a must-listen for fans of raw, emotional, and unfiltered music, and it serves as a testament to the power of rock n’ roll in its purest, most visceral form. With ‘Mug’s Game’, Rivages remind us that rock is far from dead — it’s alive, kicking, and ready to shake you to your core.
