Viva City

Viva City

Viva City is a four-piece group from Newcastle upon Tyne, England, active since 2005. The band combines electro, indie and alternative rock elements with drum and bass-influenced rhythms, dirty guitars and synth-led arrangements. Its line-up is Ali on vocals, Bruce on bass, Trev on keys and Chris on beats.

Style and background

The group’s sound mixes d’n’b-flavoured electronic beats with alt-indie and glam-punk influences. It also uses what is described as the band’s electronic style alongside raucous guitar-led songs and club-oriented production. The group is associated with the UK festival circuit, European club dates and London club nights.

Releases and reception

Viva City’s debut UK single, KATE BUSH, is released in June 2008 and reaches number 4 in the UK Indie Charts. It receives national radio play on BBC Radio and XFM, and is described by BBC DJ Tom Robinson as a “storming” electropop single. The second single, Have You Ever Felt So Messed Up?, is released in July 2009 and appears with a burlesque-inspired video. A third single, Behold, is due in November 2009.

Live activity and collaborations

The band appears at the Evolution Weekender Festival, where it premières Have You Ever Felt So Messed Up?. It also performs alongside Friendly Fires, Mystery Jets and Ladyhawke, and supports Maximo Park, Just Jack and Bombay Bicycle Club. Viva City is produced by the Kosheen DJs and is a finalist in the 2009 Camden Crawl Indie Idle Competition.

Media and touring

Viva City is described as making waves on the UK festival scene and in Europe’s club scene, while also headlining London club nights. The group also appears on the O2 Academy Music Group’s Academy Live Tour shows across England.