Voted the #1 Rock Band in
Western North Carolina since 2015.
“Lyrically mature and featuring a range of styles, traditions and tempos over its expansive seven tracks, Love Is Enough finds Scotchie operating on an impressive new level while still rooted in the pure rock sound that’s made him one of the most exciting forces in music these past 11 years” - Edwin Arnaudin, Mountain Xpress (READ ARTICLE)
“On his latest album, “Love is Enough,” Asheville indie-rocker Andrew Scotchie comes full circle with a bevy of things in his existence — a heavy past of sadness and grief, present moments of genuine gratitude and positive change, endless possibilities of a promising future within reach.”. - Garret Woodward - Rolling Stone & Smoky Mountain News (READ ARTICLE)
"Andrew Scotchie violently lost his father in 2008. Understandably, Scotchie was forced to navigate psychological storm clouds for years thereafter. “Note To Self,” the first single off his new record, is an expression of the therapeutic nature of music. Subtly tucked within the breezy nature of the song is Scotchie’s forthright confessions about his internal battles and how he works to make sense of them all. Sincere and honest, Scotchie has provided listeners who suffer similar anxieties with an inspiring anthem for overcoming" - Dave Stallard - (Read Article)
"When on stage or on record, Scotchie leaps to hypercharged life as if from Tesla’s lab. Laced through his wiry limbs and etched deeply into the music he makes the lanky electrified musician makes music worthy of contemplative deep dives” - Tom Netherland, Bristol Herald Courier
"With lyrics that resonate inside all of us, and never strain for reliability, Scotchie has once again helped each of us find those words which previously escaped our grasp...and they perfectly describe our current situation". - Barbie Angell
"The band creates tight, concise, funky-but-riff-happy songs that are heavy on catchy hooks and singalong choruses."
- Vincent Harris, Greenville SC Journal
"If there’s a balcony rail, he might walk it high-wire style. If there’s a stage, chances are he’ll leap about and perhaps jump from it. That’s North Carolina’s Andrew Scotchie" - Tom Netherland
"Even though the Asheville, North Carolina resident Andrew Scotchie isn’t even 30 yet, he plays like an old soul on this well executed EP where The River Rats help illuminate a charming brand of retro-rock where there’s no shortage of political/social wordplay." - Take Effect Reviews
“Everyone Everywhere” plays like an album on tour inside a book of rock. It explores chapters including a Grateful Dead-ish “Human Too” to a boogie woogie “Natural Romantic” and flurries of funk courtesy of “Funny Money.” - Bristol Herald Courier
Andrew Scotchie and The River Rats are one of our most requested bands that we work with. They always show up on time, prepared, and ready to rock. In fact, we've asked Andrew to host our popular beer tour a couple of times when we needed a fill in. They always make a point to play tunes that will connect with our diverse audience (bachelorette parties, corporate groups, and couples of all ages). - Kyle Samples (Lazoom Tours)
"The work’s prescient nature has proved so startling that it even prompted one fan in Boise, Idaho to ask the Asheville-based artist if he’d consulted a crystal ball".
Edwin Arnaudin of Mountain Xpress
Winter Out West Tour Wrap Up Article from Virtuosity Magazine
- Kim Carney, Virtuosity Worldwide Arts and Entertainment Magazine : Full Article Here
“...starting to make a name for themselves on the national scene.”
- Garret K. Woodward, Rolling Stone : Full Article Here
"There’s no true notion of regional blues without Andrew Scotchie and the River Rats, led by the wunderkind of the local scene. Scotchie is a soulful cyclone of a performer nurtured in the classic-rock oeuvre who, at only 23 years old, produces the local festival Asheville Barnaroo and leads his vibrant crew on a near-constant touring schedule"
- Austine Miller, Bold Life Magazine: Full Article Here
"Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats’ second studio album "We All Stay Hungry" marks an elemental step forward in the band’s hard-driving sound"
- Kyle Sherard, WNC Magazine
"Scotchie's vocals adhere to a classic blues style complete with the occasional shouts that would make James Brown proud"
- Ted Kendrick, Asheville Current
“Delivered as if on a platter made of rust and steel, Scotchie’s music borrows from the grit of the Rolling Stones. He and The River Rats bind it with elements of old school soul and Lightnin’ Hopkins blues into a rhythm that rocks with purity.”
- Tom Netherland, Bristol, TN Herald
"At only 25, Andrew Scotchie has a thriving music career both on stage and behind the scenes — a Western North Carolina figurehead who tours nonstop with his high-octane band the River Rats. The guitarist/singer/songwriter calls the group’s current work, Family Dynamo, “the album we’ve been dreaming of making” — a group of heavily road-tested songs, all originals. Though the record contains everything from garage rockers to acoustic ballads to psychedelic excursions, the songs fade into one another and the album is meant to be played front to back, says Scotchie, “just like the vinyl we grew up loving."
- Bill Knopp, Bold Life Magazine
"Family Dynamo is more than a love letter to the rock genre. Andrew Scotchie & The River Rats have taken the quintessential driving rhythm of the 70s & 90s sound and made it current. Mixed in with the almost early Black Crowes sound is a brilliant nod to the funk and blues genres. With accessible lyrics & themes that dig right into your psyche, these songs stuck in my brain & pierced my heart."
- Barbie Angel