Mute releases acoustic version of Rivers of Blood by Crime and the City Solution

Crime and the City Solution have released an acoustic version of Rivers of Blood, recorded by the current three-piece lineup of Simon Bonney, Bronwyn Adams, and Joshua Murphy. The track is the latest addition to their ongoing acoustic recordings, developed concurrently with a series of live dates that include an appearance at Tasmania’s Dark Mofo festival on 13 June 2025 and a European/UK tour in the autumn.

The acoustic project revisits material originally written on acoustic guitar, prior to arrangement and production. The decision, according to Bonney, reflects a preference for immediacy and informality, removing technological layers in favour of stripped-down instrumentation. Adams contributes violin and vocals, with Murphy on acoustic guitar and vocals.

Following the Dark Mofo performance—structured as a two-part set beginning with acoustic versions and ending with electric arrangements—the band will tour through Sweden, Denmark and the UK. Notable among the dates is a performance at St Matthias Church in London on 25 September.

The current activity follows the release of the killer in 2023 on Mute, the band’s sixth studio album and their first since American Twilight (2013). Written in part during Bonney’s time involved in aid operations, the killer addresses civilian experiences of violence and dislocation. Tracks include Brave Hearted Woman, Peace in My Time, and Witness, some of which were recently performed for Le Cargo.

Crime and the City Solution originated in Sydney in the late 1970s, with Bonney forming the band at 16. Their first lineup was active until 1979 and played a part in the early Melbourne post-punk circuit. In the mid-1980s, Bonney reassembled the project in London with Mick Harvey, Rowland S. Howard, Harry Howard, and Epic Soundtracks. That iteration produced the albums Just South of Heaven (1985) and Room of Lights (1986), and appeared in Wim Wenders’ Wings of Desire.

Following the London lineup, a third formation took shape in Berlin, recording Shine (1988), The Bride Ship (1989), and Paradise Discotheque (1990), as well as the live album The Adversary. The band was inactive for two decades before reappearing in Detroit with American Twilight.

In parallel with recent recordings and performances, Simon Bonney has published Love In A Time Of Violence, a book of selected lyrics released via Heartworm Press.

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