The RIGBEES have been called a folky-rock, sloppy-pop band. What exactly does that sound like? Depends who you ask. Ask the critics and they say…“a combination of bright-eyed earnestness, downright catchiness and genuine talent…wearing influences that could just as easily be Son Volt, Pearl Jam, Pete Yorn or all three.†(Philadelphia Weekly) Ask their fans and they say R.E.M backing Jackson Browne, James Taylor fronting Squeeze or Tom Petty jamming with Counting Crows. Ask any of The Rigbees and they might say, "We sound like us.â€
Regardless, there are numerous traceable reference points in the band’s sound. Songwriter/singer Steve Brown pens songs with the lyrical sensibility and introspective depth of 60’s and 70's folk. The Rigbees then deliver them with a guitar-driven energy and melodic punch that falls somewhere between the idioms of the classic rock era and the first wave of American indie/alternative bands.
The acoustic guitar is a cornerstone of the band's sound, yet together (John Bicer on drums, Mitch Cojocariu on bass, Kevin Hug on guitar) the band has a dynamic sonic palette belying four kids weaned on classic rock and equally informed by the modern, punk, alternative, grunge and alt-country rock that followed.
The members of The Rigbees have diverse musical influences, backgrounds and credits to their name including: recording a CD for MCA/Refuge with Don Gehman (R.E.M., Hootie & the Blowfish, John Mellencamp), opening for bands as varied as Train, World Party, Live, Better Than Ezra, G Love & Special Sauce, The Silos, Fuel, Blue Oyster Cult, Young Dubliners, Tenacious D, and Conway Twitty, and playing on a song that went to #6 on the charts in Portugal.
The Rigbees have enjoyed national FM airplay, appeared on the P.R.I.-syndicated World Café and received solid support from numerous public and college radio stations nationwide. Bellwether public radio station WXPN in Philadelphia added their debut single “Chaos Rules†(from AM Radio Companion) into regular rotation—a true rarity for an independent debut release. The band has built a solid and loyal following which it continues to grow through frequent, engaging and memorable live performances at some of the Northeast’s most prestigious venues. The band is currently promoting its sophomore independent full-length release, Treading Water in an Angry Ocean.
PRESS:
“The Rigbees have the advantage of writing songs that are instantly recognizable melodically and stylistically, and there is more than one on AM Radio Companion; it’s an auspicious beginning.â€
- David Dye, PRI-syndicated World Café host & WXPN disc jockey
“…a combination of bright-eyed earnestness, downright catchiness and genuine talent…wearing influences that could just as easily be Son Volt, Pearl Jam, Pete Yorn or all three. Guided by jangle and twang, the songs hold a contagious charm.†- Philadelphia Weekly
“…a refreshing brand of pop rock…similar to Barenaked Ladies delivered with the stylistic veracity of the Counting Crows. - The Ticket
“From the lyrical kick-in-the-pants of the disc’s opener, “Get Up,†to the poetic, beer-soaked “Funny,†The Rigbees do more than merely tread water in today’s ocean of alt-whatever. This record finds the band with a baker’s dozen of finely crafted rock songs with intelligent, heartfelt lyrics.†- NJ Courier Post
"Treading Water in an Angry Ocean…is a melodic and inspired collection. The Rigbees should generate a buzz with their sophomore album." - Primetime
