Rivulets and Violets was a short-lived project spearheaded by Masaki Liu. Liu is a producer and engineer whose name appears in literally dozens (actually over a hundred!) of albums from Christian alternative and metal bands, especially in the 90s. He also owns his own studio, and has been a member of post-punks The Lonely Now and roots rockers Dimestore Prophets.
But R&V was a unique project. Their first album was released in 1993, and featured mostly instrumental songs. While there were no lyrics, there were occasional vocal parts, mostly in the form of la’s and other non-verbal vocal sounds. The eponymous album featured layered, dreamy alternative pop songs mildly reminiscent of Cocteau Twins and the like. A second album was released in 2000, that saw the band adding more prominent vocals and lyrics. This also led the band in a slightly more commercial channel, though still swimming in alternative pop waters.
“Paperchain Stories” is taken from the 1993 debut album, released on the short-lived Eden Records.
I remember
I still listen to the first R&V album regularly.