Acclaimed singer-songwriter Josh Rifkin has unveiled the new album Lancaster Road. From themes of love and loss to societal musings and tributes to artistic influences, the album captures a broad spectrum of human experience, drawing listeners into its intimate world.
Rooted in a singer-songwriter tradition while infused with elements of soft rock and blue-eyed soul, Lancaster Road offers a timeless musical experience. Its title track is a poignant highlight, inspired by a nostalgic drive with Rifkin’s late father, who passed away after battling Alzheimer’s. The song, like the album itself, balances a reverence for the past with a commitment to living fully in the present, inviting listeners to reflect on their own journeys.
Rifkin’s storied career, which began as the frontman of Island Records-signed band Mumblin Jim, has included performances alongside acts like Cake, Violent Femmes, and Train, as well as solo work featured in hit television shows such as The Mindy Project, Parenthood, and Friday Night Lights. This extensive experience shines through in the emotional depth and polished craftsmanship of Lancaster Road.
The album was born out of a global collaboration, with foundational tracks recorded under the guidance of Grammy-winning producer Leonardo Marques at Ilha do Corvo studio in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Over the course of two weeks, Rifkin worked closely with a talented house band of South American musicians. Upon returning to Los Angeles, he further honed the project alongside longtime collaborator and producer Keith Armstrong. The result is a vibrant, multi-dimensional album that reflects a seamless melding of creative influences and geographic inspirations.
Adding further richness to Lancaster Road are contributions from a host of renowned guest vocalists, including Jennifer Souza, Bart Davenport, Miranda Lee Richards, Niki J Crawford, Annie Little, and Adam Elk of the Mommyheads. Their voices weave harmoniously into the fabric of the album, amplifying its emotional resonance and musical depth.
Reflecting on the project, Rifkin describes it as his most personal work to date. “Music has always been my way of processing life—of honouring what came before, understanding the now, and looking ahead,” he shares. “Lancaster Road is my most personal project yet, and I hope it serves as a companion for listeners on their own journeys.”
Listen below:
