A Spiv is a British slang for one who uses their wits to avoid a real job. In 1997, Spiv was formed as a typical power trio: featuring guitar, bass, and drums. The sound is immense for the size of the band. Using the great power trios as their prototype (The Police, Cream, Hendrix Experience), and the Wit-Pop sound that they originated and imitated, the band is working as hard as they can to be 'gainfully unemployed'. Their efforts have been paying off. The band has released four EP's and a full length album so far (on Olympia, WA. indie label, POP SWEATSHOP) and are currently recording a third full length album in Denver. Radio performances have been reported from all over the USA, and all around the world. The album, 'Don'tcha Know' has being reviewed in countless publications including Las Vegas Weekly, Denver's Westword, The Rocket (Seattle), The Olympian (Olympia, Wa.), Spin Magazine and even featured on rollingstone.com!

The band consists of Chris Barber on vocals and guitar, and a rotating cast of characters including his brother Jeremy Barber on bass, guitar, and electric violin, and Sean Sippel on drums. Together the Barber brothers have performed thousands of shows, playing ever since they were 8 and 6 years old. Starting out with classical music in the church as children, they progressed into rock and roll in their teens, and since have recorded and performed with many greats including an album with Ginger Baker of Cream and his son Kofi.

Chris met drummer Sean when they were attending Olympus High School in Salt Lake City; they formed a band and played their first paying gig for 1500 students at a local junior high school for $50.00. They grew up amidst the cultural mayhem now made into a film called, 'SLC Punk', a factor that may have influenced Sean's decision to drop out of high school (a month from graduating) to play in the band. Chris and Sean moved to Olympia, Washington in 1990, where they played many shows, including a date with Nirvana at the Evergreen State College.

The other brother Barber joined up with the band in 1997, and added a lightening fiddle to the rock, featuring a blistering version of 'Devil Went Down to Georgia'. Combining technical proficiency with attitude and a good dose of humour is what makes Spiv great. Spiv is catchy melodies fused with wild mojo, a mad backbeat and poetic lyrics. The three members meld with a flow that only comes with a lot of time spent together on the road.