November 9, 2003 / 8:30 pm

BMI Pick of the Month

Viper Room

Admission: $10

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Cosmic Rough Riders (Mark Brown, James Clifford, Gary Cuthbert, & Stephen Fleming) who boast a sound with delightful four part harmonies and striking melodies, were formed in 1998. They released two albums on their own label, both having been recorded in a community-funded recording studio in Glasgow's notorious Castlemilk housing district. Having received glowing accolades from the European press, Cosmic Rough Riders signed a one-album licensing deal with Poptones Records, the label that ex-Creation Records head Alan McGee founded. They released their third album "Enjoy The Melodic Sunshine" through Poptones in 2000 to great radio, tv, press and touring success - including performances at such festivals as Quart in Norway, Summersonic in Japan, SXSW in Austin, TX, and the UK's prominent Reading and T in The Park festivals.

In 2002, founder member of Cosmic Rough Riders, Stephen Fleming added lead vocals to his duties when ex singer Daniel Wylie left to pursue a solo career. The group released an album of rarities and b-sides in 2002, and most recently released their latest album "Too Close To See Far" on Measured Records. So far the group has continued their success, having now sold over 100,000 records in the UK alone, spawning four singles that have all hit the Top 40 in the UK. Most recently they have sold out a UK tour, as well as performed with U2, Robert Plant, Lenny Kravitz and The Black Crowes.

Mojo magazine described the band as, "...undeniably gorgeous..."; NME said the, "...melody-addicted altar boys worshipping at the church of the Beach Boys, intravenously injecting those perfect jingle jangle mornings.." Q called their music, "beautifully, breezy indie pop" ; and Uncut said, "...their harmonies ring out as brightly as ever and hook-driven tunes like Because You and The Need To Fly will keep core Cosmologists happy."