About
Grace and Alex Fincher wed in 2021, moving to Nashville, TN and establishing Indie Folk/New Bluegrass duo, “River & Rail.” They have since performed over 100 shows- opening for acts such as Willi Carlisle, Esme Patterson, and Dawson Hollow.
Possessing a voice that is equal parts haunting and agile, Grace’s songwriting quickly captivates the audience. Alex’s textural, melodic acoustic guitar and mandolin weaves in between as he adds plaintive supporting vocals. The two have crafted a rich yet close acoustic sound that leans into dynamics, nuanced embellishment, and out-of-the box musical changes.
R&R is influenced by modern folk pioneers Watchouse, The Milk Carton Kids, Aoife O’Donovan, and Madison Cunningham- and hearkens back to the 70’s acoustic music of Bread and Joni Mitchell.
In Nov 2023, the duo released their debut EP “Trees and other Relatives” a collection of stories mined from Grace’s lineage. Produced by Alex, the EP has amassed 75,000 streams.
River & Rail is recording their debut full-length album at the Sound Emporium, to be released Fall 2024 under Vere Music.
Leave a ghost (Official audio)
“Nashville, Tennessee-based folk/ Americana duo Grace and Alex Fincher, aka River & Rail, have just released “Leave a Ghost” in the midst of their fall tour.
This one begins with a great deal of cinematic space, spanning from the tender strums of an acoustic guitar, to the soft and airy, layered backing vocals, all the way to the breezy notes from a violin. And upon the moment you first press play on “Leave a Ghost,” you will find yourself within an indie folk utopia.
We knew that we had to feature the track once Grace’s vocal began. There’s a warm familiarity here that causes us to recall the fantastic sounds of Watchhouse, Phoebe Bridgers, and Julien Baker– her tone is very modern, but completely raw and emotive, leaving a sense of timelessness embedded deeply within the heart of the song.
There is a bit of synth riding along in the background, but just enough to provide some ambience, as each and every element sounds as though it was picked straight from the tree. There is no autotune or any other digital shenanigans at play here, just the glorious sound of actual human beings making honest music.
Patience will grant you access to some sweet vocal harmonies on the final third, and once you find out that this was written for a loved one who’s passed on, it will properly kick you in the feels. That said, “Leave a Ghost” is a wonderful tribute and we are grateful that River & Rail have shared it with the world.” -HD from UpToHear
Debut EP
“Trees and Other Relatives”
Grace Fincher- Writing, vocals, acoustic
Alex Fincher- Production, engineering, acoustic, high strung acoustic, electric, keys, vocals
Riley O’Donnell - Drums, percussion
Elias Broxham - Upright Bass, Bowed Double Bass
Bailey Warren - Fiddle
Jonathan Michael Beard- Engineering
Tim Craven - Mixing and Mastering Engineer