It is a testament to the Cheri MacNeil’s ability as a songwriter that Rivonia would stand on its own as a superb folk-pop record, regardless of the subject matter.
Frequently, the album makes for distinctly uneasy listening, but frankly, music like this should challenge its listeners more often.
Musically there’s some evolution here from Dear Reader’s previous work but it remains unapologetically twee enough
Inevitable lyrical cliches arise when you’re talking about injustice and freedom, and they do grate. Fortunately, they’re few enough to avoid hampering enjoyment of what is otherwise an interesting record.