Grief and remembrance sit at the heart of the latest from 84 Tigers. The Michigan alt-rock trio have unveiled the official music video for “Two Rivers,” featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter Rocky Votolato, who appears prominently throughout. The track is a centerpiece from the band’s latest album ‘Nothing Ends,’ released in October via Spartan Records.
The song stands as a heartfelt tribute to the late Travis Dopp of Small Brown Bike, weaving in lyrical nods to his work and honoring both his creative spirit and enduring influence. Votolato’s presence deepens the song’s sense of remembrance and connection, lending it real emotional gravity.
“‘Two Rivers’ is a tribute to our old friend and bandmate Travis. Some of his lyrics are quoted in the song,” says Mike Reed. “When Rocky and I realized that we had both written songs with the word ‘River’ in the title separately, it was cosmic fate that brought him into the song. I had no idea what it would become, but he took it to new heights and I still get choked up when I hear it.”
The video matched the song’s spirit. “Making this video was very special,” Reed continues. “Ben did all of the filming, drone work, and editing. It was all of us sitting in the woods by the river and a fire. It felt very Michigan and an awesome way to honor Travis.”
84 Tigers formed when brothers Mike and Ben Reed (Small Brown Bike) joined longtime friend Jono Diener (The Swellers). The trio first made waves in 2022 with ‘Time in the Lighthouse,’ earning acclaim for a widescreen blend of post-hardcore urgency, ’90s alternative grit, and sweeping melodic hooks.
The road to ‘Nothing Ends’ was shaped by profound loss. Travis Dopp’s sudden passing left the band reeling and uncertain about the future. “I questioned if losing a creative partner took the energy out of my process,” Reed recalls. “Songs started and stopped. I struggled. Then one day it broke, this mantra popped into my head: Tears in your eyes. Fist in the air. That became a path forward.”
Produced by Marc Jacob Hudson, ‘Nothing Ends’ turns grief into catharsis through a raw three-piece dynamic. From the aching “Two Rivers” to the hopeful “Only Light” and the rousing “Regeneration Days” (featuring Aaron Stauffer of Seaweed/Ghost Work), the album balances devastation with defiance, building toward its closing refrain: “Everything you love will hurt you someday.”