The Riffs

The Riffs are a snarling, in-your-face outfit that recalls the classic punk bands of the late '70s and early '80s. These Portland, OR-based residents are totally unaffected by the emo-core bands that were all over alternative rock radio in the '90s and early 2000s and their music is a passionate, unapologetic throwback to the old school punk of the Sex Pistols, the Clash, the Dead Boys, and Sham 69. The Riffs' sound isn't entirely American or entirely British: although pioneering British punk bands have greatly influenced the them, their sound has also been affected by the classic American punk groups. The Riffs also site some pre-punk bands as influences, most notably early Bowie and T. Rex.

The Riffs' lineup consists of lead singer Tony Mengis, Dog's Body, Amphetamine Blue, Saigon Shakes, and drummer Carl. Before the Riffs, these artists belonged to other Portland punk bands, including former members of the Champions, Deathcharge, Defiance, and Resist. The Riffs' first full-length album, Underground Kicks, was originally released on Pelado Records in 1999. In 2001, the Riffs signed with TKO Records, a Richmond, VA-based indie that specializes in traditional punk rock. In March 2002, TKO released their second album, Dead End Dream, on both CD and LP. In December of 2002, TKO released a re-mixed and re-mastered version of their Underground Kicks debut. The Riffs' third studio album, Death Or Glory, was completed in January of 2003 and is slated for a May release this year.