CHELTENHAM, UK. February 27th, 2026 – British artist Tom Moriarty has released the first single entitled “She’s Like The River” from his new album entitled “Chapters”, due to be released on June 5th 2026. The single demonstrates Tom’s classic songwriting and vocals for which he is known and are features of the new album.
“Chapters” is the 5th album release from Moriarty and follows his critically acclaimed previous albums that have garnered praise from critics and rock royalty in David Crosby who told Tom he had “made a great record”.
The new album marks an evolution in Tom’s sounds from the acoustic roots rock sound for which he has gained critical acclaim and a following in the UK and North America. With the addition of his electric guitar playing, a skill honed at the famous Musician’s Institute in Los Angeles, he adds a new dimension to the soundscape with some tracks having more of a US southern rock sound and others remaining true to his folk rock journey, acoustic singer songwriter tracks for which he is known. “She’s Like The River” is one of those tracks and a song that Tom considers to be one of the best songs he has ever written.
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.”
The song opens with acoustic guitar and piano introduction with the addition of mandola quietly reflecting Tom’s Irish heritage and backing vocals from sisters Louise and Melanie Marshall. Louise sings in Jools Holland’s band and Melanie is famed for her performances in jazz and musical theatre. Tom wanted them to sing on the album after hearing them sing on Ray Lamontagne’s album Gossip In The Grain.
Following the intro, Tom’s vocal opens with words to convey the meaning that the river has to him and the part it has played in his life.
String playing in the chorus is provided by Georgie Leach (Seasick Steve) who had previously played on Tom’s acclaimed album “The Road”. Drums are provided by Evan Jenkins (Eric Clapton, Van Morrison). Lyrically the chorus is a simple call and response provided by Louise and Melanie Marshall, which even on the very few live performances of this song so far has had the audience singing the chorus back to Tom on stage.
With the arrival of the middle 8 Tom is given some space to really express the soul and power in his voice for which he is known with BBC Radio 2 calling it “an incredible voice” and many references over the years to Eddie Vedder and Ray Lamontagne.
“Chapters” has been a long time in the making. Tom began writing the album whilst recovering from a career threatening accident and a dog attack which injured his left hand. This culminated in a recording session in the Autumn of 2019 where, with his producer Tristan Longworth (Jon Allen) and a number of top session musicians, he laid down the tracks. With all recording completed and only final mixing remaining the album was on track for release in the Spring of 2020, but the arrival of the pandemic meant all plans to release the album were postponed.
Over the Summer of 2025 Tom worked with his producer to complete the final mixing of the album ready for release. “Chapters” will be released on June 5th 2026. The album has been 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.
ENDS