Artist description Despite an unorthodox line-up--part electric, stand-up drummer--and a sound unlike anyone else, LOVE RiOT has earned a place in the hearts of critics and fans alike. They make a sound that's...well, imagine if Chrissie Hynde sang for Radiohead, or Lindsey Buckingham had played violin instead of guitar. Still, their sound is so different and so much their own that comparisons don't help much.

Music Style Pop/Rock

Musical Influences everything except reggae/ska/zydeco

Similar Artists Sheryl Crow; Chrissie Hynde; Tom Petty; Wallflowers; Neil Young

Artist History In the short five and a half years they've been together, LOVE RiOT has: taken on the world, winning out over 25,000 other entrants in the Yamaha Soundcheck Competition to capture Grand Prize. They were the only band ever to win by unanimous decision of the judges; had four songs featured on NBC-TV's "Homicide-Life On The Streets," and songs on NBC-TV's "Providence," and "Sunset Beach." Their new song "Anywhere, James" was featured on the season finale of CBS-TV's "JAG"; Performed in 1998's Lilith Fair. For more information surf to loveriot.com.

Group Members Lisa Mathews (lead vocals, electric guitar); Mikel Gehl (backing vocals, acoustic guitar); Mark Evanko (bass); Willem Elzevir (electric Violin/Mandolin); Young Ron Campbell (backing vocals, drums)

Instruments vocals, electric and acoustic guitars; violin; mandolin; bass; drums

Press Reviews Washington Post: "The Baltimore Quintet's best songs have always been hard to resist--by turns catchy, clever, evocative and tuneful. There are times when singer-songwriter Lisa Mathews evokes vivid images of other vocalists--Tori Amos, for example, seems to be lurking around the corner on "Find Me There," while the album's title track sounds as if it could have been written by Chrissie Hynde. Yet these pop allusions, intentional or not, don't obscure Mathews' considerable talent as a songwriter who often addresses threadbare themes with insight and wit...what stands out most are the songs, those sharply drawn vignettes or whispered confessions that make "Heaven Can Wait" worthy of repeat spins." CLEVELAND SCENE: "...transcends genre labels. This is every bit as much rock music as it is anything else. It's alive...limitless passion, impressive artistry, dynamics and depth...Lisa Mathews really sound like no one else." MUSCIAN MAGAZINE: "Lisa Mathews can sing big and she can sing small...these guys deserve a shot at the national stage." (more on loveriot.com)

Location Baltimore, MD - USA

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