The Riffs

There are at least three bands called The Riffs - one from the UK and two from the USA.

1) The Riffs from England were formed in 1989 and play ska/reggae music. They signed to Skank and Link records in the 1980s, and had tracks licenced to dozens of compilations around that time. Following a few years off they reformed in 1993 and have since released tracks with Greased Pig Records, Mad Butcher Records and most recently (2008) Moon Ska World. The Riffs have two albums on here, Who Wants It? (re-released as a double album with the Hotknives Live n Skankin' album), and LIve at Club Ska on Moon Ska Records.

2) The Riffs are a rock and roll and punk band from Portland, Oregon. Disbanded several years ago. Former members now play in the Soda Pop Kids and the Nice Boys. They have released three full-length albums, all on indie labels, namely Pelado Records, Vendetta Records, and TKO Records. Throughout the first two LPs, Underground Kicks and Dead End Dream, the songs and lyrics (written by all members of the band) told a bleak story of growing up in the Portland punk scene, presumably in poverty, afflicted with drug addiction, the repercussions of drug abuse, regret about past violent criminal activity, and a "No Way Out" feeling when it came to creating a fulfilling (if any) future.

The band matured for their latest release, "Death or Glory", as evident by lead singer Mengis' improved vocal abilities--also, he achieved a greater vocal range, such as in "Death or Glory"--smoother production, and implementation of experimental instruments (such as the keyboard in "Poison Boys"). The lyrical content also took a turn for the positive in many ways, not really mirroring the accounts of defeat, self-destruction, and suffering that characterised them up to that point. In addition, "Death or Glory" had considerably more romantic songs than ever before. Although the Riffs never expressed indifference or apathy, but rather showed deep emotional conflict in songs like "Chelsea Says", a story about a relationship between two junkies that had devolved into a single mission: taking turns doing horrible things to get high and avoid drug withdrawal.

3) The Riffs are a punk rock band from New Orleans that formed in late 2010 by singer and guitar player James Jones and bass player Corey Clifford. Justin Comisky signed on as drummer shortly afterward. The band members styles are very diverse and include genres such as; punk, metal, hardcore, ethnic european folk music, funk, ska, and blues. The diverse styles put forth by each member results in a musical gumbo. The music is highly energetic and fast, but extremely dynamic and catchy. All members live in inner city New Orleans and grew up there. You can often find them playing such New Orleans clubs such as Checkpoint Charlie's, Dragons Den, and Siberia.

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