These Wicked Rivers Announce Third Album Fire and Folklore Out October 2 2026 + New Single “Ain’t No Smoke”

Derbyshire blues-rock heavyweights These Wicked Rivers have announced their third studio album Fire and Folklore, set for release on October 2 2026 via Fat Earth Records.

To celebrate, the band have released the brand new single “Ain’t No Smoke” with an official music video featuring fire-performer Kiara Leigh, directed by Jack Collin (Florence Black, S-X).

Stream “Ain’t No Smoke” now Watch the official music video here

Keyboard player Rich Wilson comments: “‘Ain’t No Smoke’ takes you on a journey of highs and lows of trust and betrayal through the eye of the storm and out the other side again. The song builds like waves crashing down before everything is suddenly calm again, only then to build to its inevitable end.”

About the Album Fire and Folklore

Recorded in the band’s hometown of Belper, Derbyshire, at the home studio of Grammy-award winning producer Andy Sneap (Judas Priest, Megadeth, Saxon) alongside producer Colin Richardson (Slipknot, Massive Wagons, Those Damn Crows), Fire and Folklore is the band’s most accomplished record to date.

The album expands beyond their signature wizard-blues rock sound, pushing into new sonic territory with shades of country and southern spirit while retaining the groove and soul that defines them.

Singer John Hartwell states: “Being local lads it’s been a real privilege to be able to record the album so close to home in beautiful Derbyshire, a stone’s throw from where some of the songs were written. To work with such experienced and talented producers as Andy Sneap and Colin Richardson has been a real eye opener and a great learning experience.”

Fellow Derby artist and country star Kezia Gill guests on the track “Sing Another Song”, exploring the band’s more country & western leanings.

The striking album artwork was created by Derbyshire artist Natalie Muir (Inktally). Guitarist Arran Day says: “Just as with our previous records, it means a lot to us for the artwork to be as much an expression of the album as the music. Inspired by the joy of dropping the needle on a record and sitting down with the album in your hands, we feel the artwork truly reflects that immersive experience that we aspire to, and we couldn’t be more thankful to Natalie for bringing it to life.”

Pre-order Fire and Folklore now (including exclusive limited edition “Pressed-Flower” vinyl) via www.thesewickedrivers.com.

2026 UK Headline Tour – Fire & Folklore Tour

Following a string of sold-out shows across the UK and Europe in 2025, These Wicked Rivers will hit the road in November and December 2026 to showcase the new material alongside fan favourites.

Guitarist Arran Day says: “DO NOT ADJUST YOUR AM RADIOS! The These Wicked Rivers travelling carnival will be bringing FIRE AND FOLKLORE to you this November and December – and it is an occasion not to be missed. Celebrating the joy of live music with like-minded folk means more now than ever, so we’re delighted to traverse the UK to bring the magic to as many people as we physically can.”

Tickets are on sale now at https://www.thesewickedrivers.com/shows

UK TOUR DATES – FIRE AND FOLKLORE TOUR

NOVEMBER
19 – Newcastle, The Grove
20 – Glasgow, Stereo
21 – Aberdeen, The Tunnels
22 – Carlisle, The Brickyard
26 – Leicester, O2 Academy2
27 – London, The Garage
28 – Norwich, Norwich Arts Centre
29 – Milton Keynes, Craufurd Arms

DECEMBER
03 – Birmingham, O2 Institute
04 – Bristol, Thekla
05 – Falmouth, Cornish Bank
06 – Portsmouth, The Lens
10 – Cardiff, The Globe
11 – Llandudno, Motorsport Lounge
12 – Manchester, Deaf Institute
13 – Leeds, Brudenell Social Club

OTHER UPCOMING SHOWS

30 May – Areatza Festival, Spain
25 June – ABR Fest, Warwickshire
04 July – The Eyes Have It Festival, Duffield
08 August – Firevolt Festival, Stockport
05 September – Off The Tracks, Donington
10 October – Octagon Hall, Buxton

FAQs – These Wicked Rivers Fire and Folklore Album & 2026 Tour

When is the new album Fire and Folklore released? October 2 2026 via Fat Earth Records. Pre-orders are open now.

What is the new single “Ain’t No Smoke” about? A journey through highs and lows of trust and betrayal, building like waves before finding calm.

Who produced the album? Andy Sneap and Colin Richardson at Sneap’s home studio in Belper, Derbyshire.

Does the album feature any guests? Yes – country star Kezia Gill guests on “Sing Another Song”.

When is the Fire & Folklore UK headline tour? November and December 2026 across 16 dates from Falmouth to Aberdeen.

Where can I pre-order the album and buy tour tickets? Pre-order the album and get tour tickets at www.thesewickedrivers.com.

Rock News final word: These Wicked Rivers have delivered a serious statement with “Ain’t No Smoke” and the announcement of Fire and Folklore. Recorded locally with heavy-hitting producers and featuring a guest spot from Kezia Gill, this record sounds like their most ambitious and accomplished work yet. Pre-order the album, grab tour tickets and get ready for the travelling carnival to roll through the UK this autumn.