About Riviera
| Josh B. | Derek P. | Mick R. | Joshua R. | Matt U. |
Founded in Chicago in 2001, Riviera first made a name for itself on the fringes of the city?s alt.country scene and was named ?one of Chicago?s hottest rising talents? by the Chicago Tribune. A contest sponsored by Metromix brought the band over 50,000 votes and a co-headlining slot at the famed Metro and opening slots with Jeff Tweedy, Jay Farrar, Califone, and Hem exposed the band to great crowds. Over two full-length albums and two EPs, the band has crafted a sound that borrows from several genres while remaining true to each of the musician?s visions.
There is a palpable sense of paranoia that pervades At the End of the American Century?, a feeling that we are living in a kingdom of fear. It?s a weird time in America, and weird times have historically produced great art. The first full-length album by Chicago five-piece Riviera is the latest example of that phenomenon. Riviera?s musical palette contains shades of artists you already love (Neil Young, Rolling Stones, George Harrison) blended together with colors unique to each of the band?s three singer-songwriters.
The band?s follow-up, Capital, explores an even more diverse set of sounds and ideas with songs that tell of wasted opportunity, lost dreams, and Golden Lies. Recorded by veteran engineer Jude Lemrow in the band?s own studio, Capital is the realization of Riviera?s attempt to break from the alt.country label and expand their musical ground.