Ever since emerging from Los Angeles, Night Riots have honed in on a neon power-pop sound that has seen them be compared to The Killers. With flashes of new wave and the occasional hint of The Cure, their latest album (‘New State of Mind’) is a slick set of songs bordering on alt-pop painted with a nostalgic brush. Throughout, you’ll find synth-infused cuts such as ‘On The Line’ and ‘Colour Morning’ while ‘Leave Us Alone’ sees them firmly embrace funky electronica. At the forefront is Travis Hawley’s unique vocals who has an earnest and distinctive tongue that adds to Night Riots‘ attraction.
Having previously toured with Blaqk Audio, The Hunna, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness , and The Maine, the LA quintet will be making their UK festival debut this weekend at the Reading & Leeds Festival. Playing on the Festival Republic, Night Riots will be sharing the stage with a diverse bill that includes Peace, Hoodie Allen and Sports Team. Nevertheless, before their evening slot, you’re likely to find them seeing what else R&L has to offer.
Before they headed over to the UK, we asked the band to tell us about the songs they can’t wait to hear blasting across the fields and through the marquees at Reading & Leeds 2019.
The Hunna – Bonfire
‘Bonfire’ is a classic by our super good friends, The Hunna. They’re on the main stage this year, too.
Post Malone – Sunflower
This is a dope summer song and in an amazing Spider-Man movie too.
Twenty One Pilots – Stressed Out
This is just a great song. We’re stoked to see these guys.
Dreamers – Die Happy
These are our boys! Check out their new album.
The 1975 – Somebody Else
This is probably our favourite 1975 song, and it sums up the end of love pretty great.
PVRIS – What’s Wrong
Cool band, cool song.
Foo Fighters – Everlong
Classic great song and one of my favourite music videos of all time.
Plague Vendor – New Comedown
Plague Vendor are a cool band from LA. This is a new song from their new album – ‘By Night’.
Moontower – Lay With Me
Our tour homies, check them out.
The Maine – Another Night on Mars
Great band, great guys.
Night Riots play the Festival Republic stage at Reading on Friday and at Leeds on Sunday.
‘New State of Mind’ by Night Riots is out now on Sumerian Records.