Shared influences: The Clash, The Beatles, David Bowie, Pearl Jam, Radiohead, Springsteen, too many others to list...
Aaron: Brian Wilson, Elvis Costello, Fugazi, Q and Not U
Charles: Mauro Guiliani, Tuck Andress, Duane Allman, Joe Pass
Spencer: Danny Carey, John Coltrane, Dave Abbruzzesee, Bonham & Zep, Mitch Mitchell & Jimi, Carter Beauford, Matt Cameron, Jon Theodore, and all of James Brown's drummers
"The City Veins are a strong local outfit... They just formed in March and are already more mature and ready to bring the rock than a lot of bands with a lot more stage time." - DCist.com
"Polished, quality local indy music from (relatively) new kids on the block" - brightestyoungthings.com
One of On Tap Magazine's Local Artists "that should be on your radar, calendar, and iPod" - August 2007
The City Veins are one of the Washington, DC area's best new up-and-coming rock bands. Since coming together in March 2007, the band has already made a marked impact on the DC music scene, turning heads with their well-crafted guitar-driven indie rock songs and outstanding live performances.
Formed by childhood friends Aaron Tarr and Charles Gray (both members of the former DC band Roosevelt Roosevelt), The City Veins began informally over a few weekends as a response to the 2007 RPM Challenge. The resulting 10 songs from those sessions showcase a wide variety of influences and sounds, ranging from The Beatles to Radiohead to the Replacements to Wilco to 80s new wave and 1960s guitar rock. Having rediscovered their love of songwriting and performing, the band added drummer Spencer Vliet to complete the line-up in April. Since that time, the band has recorded a four-song EP and has played numerous shows at venues such as Washington's The Velvet Lounge and DC9 and New York City's Arlene's Grocery and The Lion's Den, steadily building momentum and buzz with each electrifying performance.
Ivyrise are back in London for a special show on Tuesday 11th March. If you are in London on the 11th and want to see Ivyrise Live then please sign up to the guestlist for a cheap ticket by clicking on the link below!