Gathering

Released in 2017, Gathering marks a pivotal moment in Josh Ritter's discography where his literary songwriting met a more expansive, experimental sonic palette. Recorded across several high-profile studios including TRI Studios and Compass Sound, the album features the Royal City Band at their most versatile. Notably, the record includes a collaboration with Grateful Dead's Bob Weir on 'When Will I Be Changed,' signaling Ritter's deepening connection to the broader American folk-rock canon. Critics noted the album's shift toward soul and gospel influences, with Rolling Stone highlighting its 'stormy' energy. The record is bookended by short, atmospheric pieces that give it a cohesive, almost theatrical structure. It stands out in his catalog for its longer track lengths and more complex arrangements, moving away from the tight pop structures of previous efforts toward a more fluid, improvisational feel.