Album Notes

Open, full and progressive. Ashley River Rising formed when two musicians decided they wanted something more. Pat Downing (lead vox + guitar) and Brent Francese (drums) have known each other since high school, but it wasnt until they met again at NC State University that their music truly began to take shape and progress. The band came from a strong roots background of listening to the likes of the Allman Brothers, the Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin, Elton John and the Who. But as Pat continued to write, the sound began to evolve and change. The meeting of Chris Smith (vox + keys) and Matt Boone (bass) came easily. Both had similar backgrounds and both needed a space to live and play music while attending NCSU. Raleigh became the basis of A.R.R.s sound, and they continued to play the triad area for much of their college tenure. But live gigs lead to a different sound and a different way of playing. The band became heavily influenced by the fullness of U2, the spirit of Springsteen and the in your face rock n roll of the Black Crowes and Pearl Jam. They wanted more space in the songs. And they wanted something that would last. The processes of the music lead them back to the studio where they would record their first full length EP with producer Sean Roux. The Second Coming is an effort at where the band is now and where it wants to go; but it is also a piece of what will always be. It is our hope that music becomes permanent again. We hope you enjoy ours.