yeah, a riff’s like a little slice of lightning, it can cut right through the noise and hit a chord, make people feel something raw. to me it’s more of a shield than a weapon, a way to protect emotions, to give people a safe spot in the storm. but if you’re in a fight, that same riff can cut through tension, swing the crowd to your side. so it depends on the vibe you’re playing. keep it honest and let the music do its own thing.