'No Rest' for these English rockers (Created March 27, 2013)

Check out this five-piece band. Are they folk? Are they rock? Are they punk? (And considering that they even have a violinist, are they also a little bit country?)

Dry the River is their name, and this bare-chested, tattooed and bearded group has come a long way since it was formed in the Stratford district of East London in 2009. Behind two EPs and some tremendously strong radio support, the band landed a deal with Transgressive Records in 2010.

Consisting of frontman Peter Liddle, Will Harvey (violinist), Scott Miller (bass), Matt Taylor (guitarist) and Jon Warren (drums), they went from holding court in grimy, run-down venues to playing a run of festivals across the UK, including the Glastonbury Festival, The Great Escape Festival, the iTunes Festival and so many more. The success only snowballed from there.

Eventually, Dry the River traveled to the States to record their debut album. Seeking a balance between lo-fi and hi-fi, the result was a project called "Shallow Bed." Released March 5, 2012, it contained the singles, "No Rest," "The Chambers & the Valves," and "New Ceremony." Climbing to No. 28 on the UK charts, it also struck a chord with critics and was hailed for its mix of stadium rockers and delicate ballads.

Landing on the BBC Sound of 2012 list was just the first of what is sure to be many accolades for Dry the River. Restless and relentless, they're already hard at work on a sophomore album and will be tearing up the road in 2013. Among their stops – three straight days at the Dot to Dot Festival in May. Be sure to get your tickets to see these guys live!