River Town Saints may have released the most appropriately named EP of 2020 so far with the Long Time Coming EP. The Ottawa-area country quintet has been through the wringer in the last couple of years. So to see them back with a collection of four new releases and ready to get into the swing of things on the Canadian country music scene is welcome – even if it has been a long time coming.

Fans of the band know the recent history with former lead singer Chris Labelle leaving the band to pursue a solo career and the tragic passing of bass player (and one of the very best people we’ve had the pleasure to know in music) Dan Di Giacomo. The first change was enough to make any band stop to think about their path forward. The second would shake anyone to their core. And if River Town Saints had decided to hang it up, we would have supported that move. BUT they’re here with a new lead singer in Chase Kasner and a new bass player in Joe Patrois – and they’ve got new music to share for the summer of 2020.

The Long Time Coming EP includes the previously released single, Slow Kiss, as well as originals Long Time Coming and Do Not Disturb and a cover of Niall Horan’s Slow Hands. If you haven’t heard any of the new music yet, hit play on Slow Kiss now to start!

Slow Kiss was produced by celebrated, award-winning producer Jeff Dalziel, with band member Jeremy Bortot taking the production reigns for the other three songs on the EP. It’s great to see indie artists do what they’ve gotta do with DIY tactics to get their music made and released – and Jeremy stepped up. AND this isn’t a situation where we’re just patting him on the back for effort because the sound and feel of the entire EP works not only for the songs but for the band as well.

Related: Country Music Association of Ontario Artist of the Month, River Town Saints

Kicking off the EP with the title track works for a couple of reasons. 1) It’s the title track and that’s a great way to get it in there. 2) It’s a kick-off-the-summer song if there ever was one. And it’s all summed nicely when Chase sings, “this good time’s been a long time comin’.”

Do Not Disturb has all that slowed down, sultry action you could ask for from the band. You can picture the scene as the lyrics come through the song – and it all sounds lovely and lovey and sweet and sexy. And Slow Hands, that song is just great, and with a little country touch and some RTS flavour, it gets some new life added to it.

As usual, I’m greedy and wish that this four-song EP was a 10-track album. But, if this is the start of the next chapter of River Town Saints music and there’s more to come in the future in the form of singles and EPs and albums, I’m in.

River Town Saints may have two new members, but they still feel like they’ve held onto the same vibe and direction. They can make you want to light a fire in the back yard and invite your friends over or they can make you want to cuddle up with your sweetie on the couch. They can get the party started, or slow things back down. They’ve always had that in them, and it’s great to hear it on the new EP.

Atta be boys.

Hit play on the stream or the videos below to hear the new music from River Town Saints on the Long Time Coming EP now!

River Town Saints, Long Time Coming EP Tracklist

1. Long Time Coming
2. Slow Kiss
3. Do Not Disturb
4. Slow Hands

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Joshua Murray

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