Riverflow branch out with debut album ‘Next to the Trees’
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
Luxembourg's folk-pop duo Riverflow have just released their debut album Next to the Trees and scene.lu has got a first listen to it ahead of the crowd!
Made up of vocalist Mylène and guitarist-songwriter Laurent, Riverflow first emerged with their acoustic EP Daydream in 2023, introducing listeners to their intimate blend of heartfelt songwriting and stripped-back arrangements. But while that release established the foundations, Next to the Trees sees the duo stepping into much bigger territory.
Rather than sticking to the traditional acoustic formula, Riverflow have expanded their sound into a full band production that feels richer, broader and more adventurous. Without losing the emotional honesty that sits at the heart of their music, the result is an album that moves effortlessly between delicate moments and sweeping musical landscapes.
"While we remain an acoustic duo at our core, we wanted to broaden our musical horizons by recording this album with additional musicians," the duo explained to scene.lu. "Exploring new sonic possibilities brought fresh energy, depth, and dynamics to the songs, while allowing us to imagine our music in different settings, from intimate acoustic performances to larger stages and festival audiences".
They continued by explaining that, "the collaboration process was both inspiring and rewarding, and we are very pleased with the result. At the same time, we see our music as something that continues to evolve, and this album represents just one stage of that journey".
The duo's journey has already attracted attention locally. Tracks such as Kryptonite and Daydream received radio airplay in Luxembourg, helping build an audience before Riverflow had even fully taken shape. Originally released under Mylène's name, the growing sense of a shared artistic vision eventually led to the creation of the Riverflow identity.
It's a fitting name. Much like a river, the band's music constantly shifts direction. One moment calm and reflective, the next energetic and unpredictable, their songs refuse to stay in a single lane for long. That sense of movement flows throughout Next to the Trees, an album that embraces contrast rather than avoiding it.
Lyrically, the record explores the small moments, emotions and experiences that shape everyday life. Relationships, memories, hopes and uncertainties all find their place here, delivered with a refreshing honesty that feels personal without becoming overly dramatic. Some songs invite quiet reflection, while others wear their emotions proudly on their sleeves.
Musically, the album is equally varied. Folk influences remain at its core, but Riverflow are clearly unafraid to borrow from indie pop and contemporary acoustic sounds, creating a collection of songs that each inhabit their own space while still feeling connected as part of a larger story.
What makes the album particularly interesting is its production philosophy. In an era where digital perfection often dominates, Riverflow chose a more organic route. Next to the Trees was recorded entirely by musicians, avoiding excessive studio trickery and polishing. The result is a warm, authentic sound that feels refreshingly human and gives the album a timeless quality.
"Each song on the album is inspired by emotions and experiences from the past three years, drawn from my own life as well as those of friends and family. These songs are honest reflections of my inner world, expressed through melodies and lyrics," explained Laurent.
"The recording process of the album took more than two years, with many sessions at producer Frank Möller’s studio. His experience, musical insight, and attention to detail helped us refine the compositions and shape the final sound, while also bringing together the great musicians who contributed to the record. We tried to give each song its own character through different musical influences. It was a lengthy process, but we believe that giving the music the time it needed was essential to achieving the best possible result".
Listeners have already had a taste of what's to come. The title track Next to the Trees arrived as the first single in April, offering an emotional introduction to the record's themes and atmosphere. It was followed by Cup of Tea in May, showcasing another side of the duo's songwriting and hinting at the variety found across the full album.
Don't miss the gig!
Fans won't have to wait long to hear the songs live either. Riverflow will officially launch the album at Sang a Klang in Pfaffenthal on 4 July, where audiences can experience the project in its full-band form.
Known for their ability to switch seamlessly between intimate acoustic performances and larger live arrangements, Mylène and Laurent have built a reputation for adapting their sound without sacrificing their identity.
Where to hear it
For a debut album, Next to the Trees feels remarkably confident. Rather than following trends, Riverflow have focused on creating something genuine, diverse and distinctly their own. In a music landscape often obsessed with fitting neatly into categories, that's perhaps the album's greatest strength. You can here the full album on Spotify (above) Apple Music, YouTube and Amazon Music.
And all the information about Riverflow can be found on their scene.lu act page.
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