These Wicked Rivers from Derbyshire has released a new single titled “Horse To Water” from their forthcoming third studio album, “Fire and Folklore,”

The blues-rock band These Wicked Rivers from Derbyshire has released 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. This is the second single to be released in advance, following "Ain’t No Smoke".

'Horse To Water’ draws on a difficult subject matter close to the band’s heart. The song recounts the pain and frustration of addiction, the damage it can do, 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."

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 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."

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!).

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.”

"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 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.

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.

The album is available on a variety of formats including exclusive limited edition "Pressed-Flower" vinyl.

About These Wicked Rivers:

These Wicked Rivers formed in 2014 in Belper, Derbyshire. The band have gained a reputation for soulful live performances, building a devoted following across the UK (and beyond) affectionately known as the “Rivers Family”. With one member living on a barge and another dealing with the day-to-day reality of life as a musician with Cerebral Palsy, plus the whole band having a LOT of hair to groom it’s a wonder that the band still find plenty of time to craft timeless songs and spread their gospel of rock n roll wherever the music takes them.

Thanks to a relentless work ethic the band have built unstoppable momentum in recent years. Sold-out shows across the UK, the Netherlands, France and Germany have cemented their reputation as a must-see act, bolstered by the critical acclaim of their second studio album 'Force of Nature'.

The band released their debut album ‘Eden’ in 2020 and their second full-length record ‘Force Of Nature’ in 2024. 2026 is set to mark a landmark chapter for the quintet, with their hotly-anticipated third album. Armed with a bigger sound made for bigger stages and a rapidly growing “Family" of fans, These Wicked Rivers are poised to reach new heights.

TRACKLIST SIDE ONE

01. The Healing

02. Horse To Water

03. Ain’t No Smokre

04. Love To Love

05. Sing Another Song (feat. Kezia Gill)

SIDE TWO

01. Rise

02. Brother Oh Brother

03. Better Man

04. Woodland Queen

05. Stories