As debut years go, 2026 has been a pivotal moment in Riverie‘s creative trajectory. The moniker of Canadian artist Caroline Fernandez (also known as River Below Rivers and Paper Kid), Riverie has now bloomed into a dreamy, hazy musical entity, crafting an intriguing EP that features co-writing and production by Andy Barlow (LAMB).
From a sonic standpoint, ‘Faded Empire’ feels luscious and hypnotic, almost sacred in its overall delivery. Channelling trip-hop as well as left-of-field alt-pop influences, the record collects four like-minded tracks that embrace a variety of moods and lyrical premises. From the title track’s crepuscular, gloomy and kinetic shores to the blissful and hazy tones of ‘Not At The Same Time’, passing through the tender and quirky pop-leaning goodness of ‘The Ugly and The Beautiful.’ ‘Give it All Away’ embraces a darker electronic charge, albeit balanced well by Riverie’s otherworldly vocals.
Delving deeper into her creative collaboration with Barlow, Riverie explains: “It was March, and there was a lot happening in the world that had me worried and fearful of things unravelling in front of me. I needed a cocoon, somewhere I could disappear to. I had met Andy Barlow of LAMB through his In Flow music retreats, and working in that collaborative, nonjudgmental space opened up new dimensions in how I sing and write.” The result speaks for itself, and can be heard in all of its stunning harmony in ‘Faded Empire’
Recommended! Discover ‘Faded Empire’ now: