By the end of the 1990s, many of the Portland Punk scene’s key players were asking the age old question:

“What comes after studs, leather and great big haircuts?”

Enter the RIFFS.

Now, 22 long years later, the RIFFS third and final TKO LP, Death Or Glory, is finally receiving a well-deserved and overdue reissue. Unlike the UK82-indebted efforts of the members’ prior bands, the RIFFS took a back to basics approach that recreated the nebulous energy of Punk’s early years, blurring the lines between punk, power pop, and good old fashioned rock ’n’ roll. Like fellow Portland retro rockers EXPLODING HEARTS, the RIFFS drew influence from NEW YORK DOLLS, UNDERTONES, and FLAMIN’ GROOVIES, all of which is wrapped up tidily and delivered with panache aplenty on Death Or Glory.

Death Or Glory is an enduring testament to the power of four chords, some swagger, and a denim jacket. Considering RIFFS’ membership later birthed bands as diverse as LONG KNIFE, NICE BOYS, and ACEPHALIX, it’s also a testament to Portland’s long and unbroken lineage of self-motivated Punks that continue to make it a Mecca for North American independent music. Death Or Glory is not only an informative and essential snapshot of its era, but a key text in the PNW’s ever-unfolding punk rock story.

• Format Type: 12"