The Cumberland River Project - Vain Regrets (2024) Hi-Res

Frank Renfordt, the singer & songwriter, producer and musician from Hagen - with his penchant for Country & Americana, has already released two albums and various singles under the name The Cumberland River Project. On the EP Vain Regrets (Useless Repentance), which will be released on March 22nd, Frank Renfordt is breaking new ground: up until now he had mostly left the singing to others, but now he stood in the studio himself and sang on all the songs.

Already on the opener “In Line” Renfordt shows that he is not only a good songwriter, but can also sing well. Despite the fast-paced groove, the story behind the song is rather sad, as it reminds us of how finite life can be. Chris Kaufmann (Wild As Her) plays a big part in this, making the song something special with his great guitar playing. The second song “Old Friend” continues just as lively. Renfordt is supported by drummer Simon Röll and singer and keyboardist Sascha Miskovic from his hometown of Hagen. In addition, various professional studio musicians from the USA, Italy, Brazil and Ukraine contributed to “Vain Regrets”.

Yes, he can tell good stories, which he also manages to do with “Wish I Could Have Told You”: an unexpected reunion with the love of his youth that he has never quite forgotten is suddenly in front of him. Your heart jumps right along to the beat. The delicately played pedal steel cries quietly - beautiful. With “Mr. Spaceman” he warns to take good care of our Earth – because in the end we only have one. Interesting topic in “House On The Cliffs”, we let Renfordt tell us: “I often go on holiday on the Atlantic coast and you sometimes see houses slowly disappearing into the sea, that inspired me to write this song. It's about home, which is lost because houses sink into the sea, fall victim to the financial crisis or because parents or grandparents get sick and die. The song is a bit sad. Damiano Della Torre, a well-known Italian studio musician, set important accents here with the accordion.”

Last but not least, “Sweet Freedom”. Renfordt sings about life itself. Freedoms that you enjoy - but are sometimes put in your place by obligations and life circumstances. Here too, Simon Röll played the drums again. The great fiddle playing by Jessie Morgan, who also sang background on “Old Friend” and “Wish I Could Have Told You”, should not go unmentioned.

Conclusion: The Cumberland River Project is the finest country music from Germany that doesn't have to hide behind American productions. Renfordt is an excellent songwriter - hopefully he never runs out of ideas. We're already looking forward to new music from him, as crazy as that may sound. Bravo!