Tom Moriarty has issued a new single, “She’s Like The River”, taken from his forthcoming album “Chapters”, which is due to arrive on 5 June 2026. The song presents the melodic writing and vocal tone that characterise the wider project.
This will be Moriarty’s fifth album and follows earlier releases that received critical attention and endorsement from figures such as David Crosby, who told Tom he had “made a great record”.
The album represents a shift in sound while retaining Moriarty’s acoustic roots. His electric guitar work, developed during his studies at the Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles, adds additional range. The collection moves between southern rock-influenced tracks and the acoustic folk style that established his audience. “She’s Like The River” remains firmly within the latter and is among the songs Moriarty considers most personal.
Tom said: “The river to me is a special place. It brings me comfort and peace. I spent many years living in the mountains and there are places I would visit by the river where I would find solace and understanding. It is a place where I would be healed and feel love. For me to say to someone that they are like the river is the highest compliment I could ever pay them. It is the best expression of love I could ever say to them. I have only known one person in my life who is to me the river.”
Musically, the track opens with acoustic guitar and piano, with mandola subtly referencing Moriarty’s heritage. Harmonies are provided by Louise and Melanie Marshall, known for their work with Jools Holland and in jazz and theatre. Moriarty selected them after hearing their contributions to Ray Lamontagne’s Gossip In The Grain.
The arrangement builds to include strings by Georgie Leach (Seasick Steve) and percussion from Evan Jenkins (Eric Clapton, Van Morrison). The chorus uses a simple vocal exchange with the Marshall sisters, which has already been echoed by audiences at early performances.
The middle eight offers a platform for Moriarty’s vocal range, which BBC Radio 2 previously described as “an incredible voice”, with comparisons frequently drawn to Eddie Vedder and Ray Lamontagne.
“Chapters” was first written during Moriarty’s rehabilitation from a severe accident and a dog attack that injured his playing hand. Recording began in autumn 2019 with producer Tristan Longworth and a group of experienced session musicians. With the album almost finished, plans for a 2020 release were halted by the pandemic.
Mixing was completed in summer 2025, setting the stage for the album’s release on 5 June 2026. The record marks the conclusion of a project that has been several years in the making.
The single “She’s Like The River” is released through Driftwood Records and will be available on streaming websites. A video is available on Tom’s YouTube channel, and the song can be listened to on Soundcloud and Spotify.