At The End The American Century

Chicago alt. country outfit Riviera has a diverse musical palette, boasting three strong singer/songwriters backed by bass and drums. Derek Phillips, Mick Radichel and Josh Boisvert contribute to a cohesive sound with its share of a rich variety of colors. Their collective wit is literate and wry, backed by rock swagger and a willingness to let a tinge of rock noise creep in occasionally (as on the leadoff track, "Petrified Possessions"). Harmonica fuels the straight-up Americana pleaser "Your American Past," bleeding into the 70s-era, southern-tinged ballads "Stranded" and "Changing Channels." Their recent appearances opening for Jeff Tweedy are well deserved, as a bit of Van Morrison and Wilco sweep across Riviera's breezy, yet gritty soundscapes. (Glorious Noise)