The six-track Raindrop River EP began as a single song dealing with solitude. “It’s about seeking refuge—a gentle escape where troubles fade,” says Oliver Hazard frontman Mike Belazis of the title track, which was written by guitarist Devin East. “For a brief moment, you can simply exist in the present.”
Limiting modern-day distractions has become sort of an m.o. for this unassuming fireside folk trio with a rustic, stripped-back sound governed by the uncomplicated whims of Belazis and East. One would assume there’s plenty of prime spots for quiet contemplation in Waterville, the small town near Toledo where the Ohio natives are stationed these days.
Belazis and East came together officially in 2016, after the latter joined the former onstage for an impromptu gig at a local bar. Choosing a name that references the decidedly untrendy 19th-century war hero Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, they acquired keyboardist Nate Miner and set about cultivating a robust pre-COVID following with the help of gracious hosts in living rooms all over the country. Forgoing TikTok and like, the band found an even larger audience thanks to a proper national tour and appearances at the Bonnaroo and Mountain Jam festivals.
Raindrop River (Nettwerk) is the first new music from Oliver Hazard since last year’s self-titled full-length. The EP was produced by Grammy winner Jacquire King (Kings Of Leon, Tom Waits, Dawes), who met the band at one of their living-room gigs.
We’re proud to premiere Raindrop River in its entirety here.
—Hobart Rowland
See Oliver Hazard live.
