Highly rated Australian alt-folk-country bands the Sleepy Jackson and Gelbison cross-pollinated during a 2003 homeland tour and formed Nations by the River. Luke Steele, the Sleepy Jackson's lead singer, and Gelbison's Kahn brothers (Edo and Nadav) utilized their new group as the vehicle for a more intimate and traditional exploration of their mutual love of country and folk. While recording their debut album, Holes in the Valley, Old Man River's Ohad Rein was brought on board to contribute his vocal and songwriting talents, solidifying the core of Nations by the River's otherwise "open-door" lineup. ~ J. Scott McClintock