The Australian indie four-piece flew overseas in 2008 to play the Great Escape Festival in the UK after Martin Elbourne (former agent of New Order, The Smiths) immediately confirmed City Riots after watching the band perform just a few weeks beforehand. The band was part of a stellar line-up including The Wombats, Vampire Weekend and The Futureheads, as well as playing sideshows at the Camden Barfly and the International Pop Festival in Liverpool. Following the three-week British tour, the band came back for a brief Australian run before heading across the Pacific to play a five-week tour of the United States, taking in Milwaukee's Summerfest with The Bravery, Wave Gathering Festival in Asbury Park, New Jersey and a load of side shows along the east coast. It was the band's second US tour in the space of eight months.

The first track from City Riots' Socialize EP, Burning Me Out, was recorded in the US at Dragonfly Studios, on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. and was rapidly added to high rotation on Australia's national Triple J radio station.

In late 2008, City Riots were nominated for Triple J's 'Unearthed Artist of the Year Award', which was followed by a busy festival season.

In May 2009, City Riots took a break from a busy touring schedule and relocated to Chicago where they spent 4 months recording their debut full length album with legendary producer Bjorn Thorsrud (Smashing Pumpkins, Dandy Warhols, Billy Corgan). The album is now is its final stages of completion. "She Never Wants To Dance" is the first taste of the band's debut, and the official video (filmed by Jason Penny) is currently being featured online through FILTER MAGAZINE.

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