Music
Press
By Michael Schmitt
For RedEye
Published January 3 2009
Riot Inside is driven by a passion to stand out from the crowd.
"It was just an idea of trying to make a band that was a little different," said drummer John Castro. "We all had our influences but we wanted something unique."
One of those unique factors is the group's collaborative songwriting process, he said.
"One of our guitar players is actually a music student and he's very into composition techniques," he said. "When you place those things in the framework of 'rock music,' I think it creates something interesting and unique."
Another element that Castro feels helps set Riot Inside apart is their "infectious" live show.
"We're about playing straight-ahead rock music," he said. "It's a show, not a gimmick." In fact, Castro finds that some of the most meaningful benefits of being in a band come out of performing live for an audience.
"We're there to entertain people and we're going to get it done. ... As soon as we start playing--people pay attention," he said. "It's hard to judge yourself as a band. Everyone thinks their stuff is fantastic, of course. Why else would you be up there? But when you see these crowds reacting like that, you know you're doing something special."
Michael Schmitt is a RedEye special contributor.
- RedEye
Hey, Fearless fans, you missed the riot inside the Elbo Room! Well, it wasn’t actually that kind of riot since the fans were relatively calm and orderly. However, it was the best Friday night this reviewer has ever spent! Thanks to Brian Bender and staff, people packed the popular Lakeview venue to hear one of their best lineups ever. It featured performances by William Darling, I Fight Dragons, Riot Inside and Common Shiner. Ask You In Gray headlined in the end. SouthSide recommends checking out this wild and crazy band called I Fight Dragons (www.ifightdragons.com or www.myspace,com/ifightdragons). She enjoyed their whacky Rick Astley cover of Never Gonna Give You UP that included the theme song to Super Mario Brothers. This reviewer enjoyed the comical stage set up and antics as part of their performance. Fearless fans can expect a full review of this band in the near future. Also there will be a full review on Ask You In Gray (www.askyouingray.com or www.myspace.com/askyouingray) when they perform during Rock Star Mafia soon.
How does one review this unique and talented group of musicians known as Riot Inside? Well, this reviewer suggests seeing this band yourself and feel the heat this band brings to the stage. Riot offered the audience hot rock sound and cool sexy charm. Ladies will fawn over the charisma of Gary (on vocals) as he woos and seduces through the lyrics. He really charmed those closest to the stage while singing lyrics from Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory during the song Entombed. There was some angst behind that charm too, Fearless fans. Listen to their Take Your Time and your head will bang to the metal angst of his vocals. Also she recommends listening to Riot’s ballad, Looking Back. This song can also be found on their myspace page. It’s the softer and gentler side to this band’s loud rockin’ persona with an acoustic guitar playing.
Meanwhile, Rock fans will love the wild ride of music sound from metal to alternative found in Riot's set. Each song drifted from one end of the rock spectrum to another giving it its own style and rhythm. Guitar fans will love the funky riffs by Lew, Stefan and Josh during the instrumentals. Think Led Zeppelin when seeing Lew strum his guitar with his hair pick. Want to hear more hard-hitting guitar sound? She suggests listening to Me and My Gun off their myspace page. This reviewer loved the jungle drum beats during Devil In Me by Castro. That absolutely kicked off their set on a good rockin’ start. SouthSide was somewhat disappointed that it was over just when it was getting so good. Yet Riot Inside did pack a lot of show for its fans to emjoy. Whew, this reviewer felt energetic and excited for more Riot music!
She highly encourages fans to catch the riot fever when they headline the Double Door on Feb 26. For more information about Riot Inside, visit them at www.riotinsidemusic.com or www.myspace.com/riotinsidemusic.
Until next time, Fearless fans, support local indie artists and music.
Peace
SouthSide
Posted by SouthSide of Fearless Radio at 7:16 AM 0 comments
- Fearless Radio
Discography
Demo 2008
Riot Inside EP 2009
Photos
Bio
At a time when rock music has been pushed aside in favor of angst-ridden emo, sugar-coated pop punk and overly-simplistic indie rock, Riot Inside is taking a stand and leading a movement to bring energy, performance, and musicianship back to the scene. With influences like Led Zeppelin, Alice in Chains, Tool, Black Sabbath and Band of Gypsies, the masses are taking notice every time Riot Inside hits the stage. In a time where rock has been left for dead, Riot Inside is bringing it back to the forefront with raw energy and attitude that electrifies their music.
Based in Chicago, Riot inside hales from various parts of one of the most vibrant music cities in the world. The members of this 5-piece band found each other through a shared desire to give rock music a shot in the arm without losing sight of the detail and finesse it takes to write great songs. The goal to combine the ferocity of Guns N’ Roses, the songcraft of the Beatles, and the larger-than-life stage presence of Jimi Hendrix has been achieved. As a result, Riot Inside wins over every audience, every time. No exceptions.
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