SIT UP and Listen to Riley By Cilla

It's the lyrics, it's the tunes, it's the voice. It's all of it. Read no further. Find them and listen for yourself. Sometimes I hate writing - because I can't possibly please everyone. Listen, maybe a lot of the time I can't please any of you. I don't know. But I do try to be honest - to write what I feel and that's the truth.

So, I do believe there's a lot of amazing and exciting music around Hull based musicians. So what? Look yourself. Tell me it's not true. But its not just around here. They do come from all over. And Riley, although not a Hull band, have spent time in Hull - featured on Alan Raw's Raw Talent on BBC Radio Humberside - appeared live to pathetic audiences for their trouble

Well at the risk of being gushy, creepy, before you want to accuse me of. WHATEVER, do me a small favour. Listen to this EP. Listen to it twice. And then listen again. And then find out when they're next playing nearby and go to see them do it live. That's my challenge to you.

I won't write that they're brilliant if really I think they're shit. Or vice versa. See for yourself and I believe that most of you will agree with me. This band is (expletive removed) ace. See them live, too - then you can agree or disagree. The new EP is a delicious showcase of their songs. The lyrics are real and simple and touching and make you want to listen. The old dreamy desires and the old fantastic imagination can kick in - they're acoustic and electric, melodic and rocky and ballady. This band is such a find, it will be worth your while to give them a listen.

Dave Robertson, Riley song writer has a way with words. You can just hear a ghost of a twang of his Liverpudlian accent come through. Just enough to melt one or two hearts, I suspect. And the tunes? Well, I can't stop listening. They stick in your brain. Sit Up, the single from their new EP is, to me, their most memorable song. The lyrics are simple; like the Sunday morning when you woke up and realised that this was the real thing - not just another one night stand; or the song you sing along with your best mate when you're both fed up, half cut and in the centre of town, arms around each others shoulders.. It's about friendship or love or whatever - away from the doldrums. You and me. continued below

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SIT UP and Listen to Riley continued By Cilla

And then you listen further and begin to see where they're coming from. All About Eve mixed up with Led Zeppelin (Belief Within The End), back to acoustics and really needing to be heard live. I remember them being a bit louder and heavier when I saw them play. So this EP shows off more of their finesse as musicians.

They're early Travis and REM as well. Remember way back to the days of 40 by U2? It's sweet music. Forgiven has a voice of velvet, words reminiscent of Squeeze, telling the story .. We'll Be Fine joins the ranks of those songs you find yourself singing in the morning and you can't quite remember where you heard it ….. .. but who on earth am I to convince you? Please, I want to know, what do you think?

The EP is currently up for air play on the radio - Riley are currently on the playlist for www.streamingradio.co.uk, 6-10pm for 2 weeks from 8th December. Also they're expecting to be included in playlists for Radio 1 and XFM any time. Keep an eye out - Jools Holland looks interested for his TV show. Sit Up will be Song of the Day on Windows Media Guide and UKSounds 19th January 04.

Riley are hoping to appear in Hull in January or February 2004 .. their Sit Up EP will be available from 19th January in the record shops (HMV, Virgin etc.) at £3 and also on the internet at www.rileyofficial.co.uk A 7 date tour in February with Jesus Jones is about to be confirmed - so keep an eye out ...

Visit Riley's website to order the EP and for loads of info, music and video downloads etc. www.rileyofficial.co.uk

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