The Des Moines Riot

The Des Moines Riot are a Scottish Indie Rock band, formed in Edinburgh during 2004. The band was formed by lead vocalist/rhythm guitarist Scott Gordon and lead guitarist/backing vocalist Colin Myers. The present line-up is completed by Dave Kerrouchi(bass guitar) and Tony Griffin (drums and percussion).

Musically and lyrically, each member of the DMR cites a number of different bands as influential though all members of the band consider The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Stone Roses as key influences. Teenage Fanclub, Oasis and Kasabian have also influenced the sound of the DMR with other bands like the Sex Pistols providing inspiration to Griffin and Myers in particular.

The Riot Was Born...
The band was formed on the back of a songwriting partnership between Myers & Gordon. This evolved when the pair recruited Griffin (Drums) and Hall (Bass) during the Summer of 2005. Thereafter, the band spent a considerable amount of time in the studio writing and perfecting the vast catalogue of songs which regularly feature in the band's live shows.

The material written and developed over these formative months was committed to demo (known as "the des moines riot" or "this is the des moines riot") and was released via the band's official website during January 2006. These recordings were entirely self produced and a total of five songs were initially recorded and released (Throw Your Hand, Said & Done, All Around This Town, Just For Me, Let It Go).

The band returned to the studio briefly circa March 2006 and recorded their most popular track "Take It All" as well as another fans favourite, "When". These tracks were also released via the band's website and continue to be very popular with the downloading public. During August 2006, the band made a final return to the studio to record "Burn On" - the band's latest track which, has seen more downloads proportionately than any other track released by the band to date.

In total, the demo has been downloaded in excess of 3300 times since May 2006 (@ 13/12/06) with the most popular track ("Take It All") being the band's first song to receive airplay on national radio (XFM). The songs have also been extensively Podcast with independent podcast producers from all over the world (UK, Europe, USA and Canada to name a few!) including the music of the Des Moines Riot within their shows. The DMR first appeared live during March 2006 at Henry's Cellar in Edinburgh. This was followed with a number of shows soon after and the band established themselves as a top act on the local circuit. The band have now played every major venue in the Edinburgh area with a few special shows included too. The band were amongst the first to participate in the Nexus Live show where the band were televised across the Internet via broadband link. The show featured the band's full set and a rare band interview which was seen by DMR fans across the globe.

Dave Kerrouchi replaced Mike Hall on bass in May 2006 and added another new dimension to the band, with a background in blues and extensive live experience in previous bands. After a short break from touring, the band got back on the road and continued to play packed out shows including a couple of shows during the Edinburgh International Festival. The band have also given an insight into their brand new material during their last couple of shows which seen packed venues in what was described as their "best ever" performances by a number of commentators.

It was also during the later part of 2006 that the band received some noteworthy press in Des Moines,USA when they were covered by the Des Moines Register as well as local publication DM Juice and most recently DM City View.

2007 And Beyond...
The band released a brand new demo at the start of February 2007 and are now hitting the road again, promoting the new material at a venue near you! Miss the DMR at your peril....