BIOGRAPHY

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WE'RE HERE FOR THE SHOW

THE RIVER – BIOGRAPHY

THE RIVER is a new Swedish rock band that’s already making waves. Formed in early 2024 by Frederik Zäll and Joacim Brunnberg – childhood friends and long-time bandmates from the internationally acclaimed group Eskobar – The River is a project born out of creative freedom, friendship, and a deep love for being on stage.

When Eskobar’s singer decided to step away from touring, a new opportunity arose – a chance to build something from the ground up, with full control over expression, sound, and the joy of performing. Frederik (vocals, guitar, and all tonal instruments) and Joacim (drums and percussion) brought with them years of experience from world tours, studio sessions, and artistic success – but reshaped it all into something rawer, more direct, and uncompromising.

MUSIC & INFLUENCES

The band’s style is rooted in rock and alternative indie rock, with a sound that shifts between cinematic grandeur and gritty garage energy. THE RIVER draws inspiration from bands like The Cult, Oasis, The Kinks, Caesars Palace, Primal Scream, Reef, Stone Roses, Smashing Pumpkins, and The Ramones – yet they bring something uniquely their own, with a tone that feels both Nordic and global.

Frederik’s guitar work carries traces of Eskobar, but the overall feel is sharper, looser, and more unpredictable. The melodies are intelligent and hard-hitting, the lyrics deeply personal yet universally resonant, and the interplay between Joacim’s organic drumming and Frederik’s intricate production gives the music a vibrant, living pulse.

DEBUT & LIVE FOCUS

The debut single “The River Runs” is set to release on May 30, 2025, marking the beginning of an intense new phase for the band. Two more singles will follow during the summer before the debut album “And the Storm” arrives on August 22. The album builds on the themes of the first single – combining energy, atmosphere, and a drive that feels made to move and be moved.

And that’s exactly what lies at the heart of THE RIVER – the live experience. With a unique setup of just two musicians on stage, backed by a pre-recorded bass track crafted by Frederik, the band has developed a streamlined and flexible live format that allows them to perform almost anywhere. It’s not about doing something minimal – it’s about creating a full-scale, high-intensity show with minimal resources and maximum freedom.

Their first performance – a sold-out debut gig – proved the concept works. The response from the audience was overwhelming, and the band now has more shows planned for the summer of 2025. The next major show will be the official release party at The Public in Täby on August 23, 2025.

BACKGROUND & VISION

Frederik and Joacim share a long history as friends, musicians, and creators. With Eskobar, they toured across the globe, accumulated millions of streams, and built a strong brand. But with THE RIVER, they wanted a fresh start – without expectations or constraints.

“We make all the decisions ourselves. There are no old rules to follow – just what we think is fun and real.”

The project is defined by friendship, spontaneity, and an uncompromising love of music. It’s a counter-reaction to the overly polished – but without being cynical. THE RIVER is about joy, about being on stage – and about being completely unfiltered.