March 1st, 2004
Third Coast Press article
I think that if Wilco and now-deceased Whiskeytown ever took the stage together, there would be guitar guts, fur, and blood all over the place by the end of the show. There would be no encore. It would be such a brawl between the two incongruent personalities of Jeff Tweedy and Ryan Adams that carcasses of broken equipment would trump whatever amazing music they?d generate together: the egos would be stifling, insults neatly slung as retorts to their own genius. Yet I still think I?d pay $100 to see it.
Instead of a folk-rock centered death cage match, we have Riviera. The four-year old outfit of five folkies has already released a six-song EP, Broken Hearted Dreams, with hopes of recording a full length this year. Riviera was created by songwriter Derek Phillips, who is also known for co-founding the online music rag GloriousNoise.com A common ethic of American love and Americana songwriting has brought guitarist and vocalist Phillips, drummer Josh Rogers, guitarist Mick Radichel, and bassist Matt Usner a long way, from Schuba?s to AllMusic. Keyboardist/songwriter recruit Josh Boisvert rounds out the band with Ryan Adams nuances (minus that one bad album and the crappy press antics). Riviera brags of three capable and diverse songwriters while their crunchy alt-country vibe keeps them playing songs they already love and nurture.
"I think most people don?t understand what a pain in the ass it is to be in a local band, It?s a lot of scheduling, and money, and "personality management," he says. "If you?re not completely into the music, there?s virtually no reason to play."
The members of Riviera have confidence in their abilities, and their full recognition of this fact is exhibited on stage. Frequently, you can tell when they?ve ridden the verse or chorus with a Zen oneness, several members gunning harmonies, grinning at each other when they know all are having a good time.
"We obsess about our songs and beat the hell out of them before they?re ready for a show," Boisvert says. "I like simple, honest, American music. American music doesn?t have to be corny, and simple music doesn?t have to be dumb."
The uncomplicated melodies of "Friends in California" and "Left Behind" highlight Riviera?s minimalist qualities, their lyrics yelped with a smoky Neil Young/Tweedy vulnerability. Guitars peek out behind the music with subtle, eerie wailings, experimenting with silence and electronic noise to mix up the repertoire. The EP?s title track is sweet and coarse, a shining example of not having anything all too shimmery.
Catching Riviera live may mean an agreeable encounter with their cover of Beck?s "Debra," as well as hearing them play some acoustic sets. But Phillips is excited at the prospect of getting back in the studio.
"I like what happens when you start exploring the songs and experimenting with your parts. Playing live has a certain rush and gives you a certain affirmation, but recording is more personal," he says. "I think you learn more about your songs when you?re recording and sometimes your pleasantly surprised at what you find out." To become more pleasantly surprised yourself, visit Riviera?s website at gloriousnoise.com/riviera.