Just Beyond The River is James Yorkston and the Athletes� second LP, following their critically lauded debut, Moving Up Country (Rough Trade Shops� album of the year) from 2002. Recorded and produced by Kieran (Four Tet) Hebden over a period of 2 weeks at Bryn Derwen studios in Wales, Just Beyond The River is a bold record. James� subtle skills as a songwriter really come to the surface, and the playing, as always remains untouchable. During the sessions the guys sat around listening to a mixed bag of old favourites and newer discoveries � Faust, Michael Hurley, Anne Briggs, D�Gary. Not since Will Oldham took post-hardcore rockers Slint on as his backing band have such influences helped create so beautiful a record. In some ways Just Beyond The River picks up where Moving Up Country left off. The tight jazz-folk styled performances from Reuben, Doogie, and Faisal bubble away throughout this new record, whilst the songs have more authority, more clarity, and a slightly darker edge to them on this outing. It�s like James has his very own great Coltrane quartet with him! Perhaps unsurprising, with Hebden on board�