Reptar – Body Faucet
Well, this one really deserves to be featured in our “Parade” section. I don’t know if you already heard of Reptar when they released their genius EP “Oblangle Fizz Y’all” last year. It really blew my mind and especially “Stuck in my Id” is a real all time mega smash which even made me forgiving them their bad band which they borrowed from one of these ugly Rugrats animation characters. Bad bad taste guys, even if you have a semi-good alibi for it:
“I first tried to name the band Invisible Boyfriend,“ says singer and guitarist Graham Ulicny. “And everybody goes, ‘that is the stupidest name I have ever heard in my life.” So why Reptar? “It is the second stupidest band name we have ever heard.” Okay, got it, but it doesn’t make it any better!
Together with Ryan Engelberger (bass), William Kennedy (keys), Andrew McFarland (drums) and Poof Daunghty (percussion, keys), Graham wants to amuse and arouse the band’s fans, which is just as important to them as indulging them with musical curiosities as their influences range from African music to post-punk and psych-pop. If you love bands like Retro Stefson, Ra Ra Riot or Vampire Weekend, this album is definitely made for you.
“Our music is very physical,” says Ryan. “We always try to get people moving.” Reptar started their career on house shows in their hometown Athens, Georgia, which began three years ago when they moved into a teetering, buttercup yellow abode together. “It was slanted at a 20-degree angle,” Ryan explains, “and we’d have shows in the front room.” Word spread, and soon they were popping up around at other houses, then clubs.
Reptar’s debut-LP “Body Faucet” now comes with a set of shimmering sing-along anthems produced by Ben Allen (Animal Collective, Deerhunter, Washed Out). “The record feels like a big dream with different chapters,” says bassist Ryan. “We wanted to capture the thoughts we project on our surroundings and the ideas that flow in and out of us each day,” says Graham.
So, here is “Sebastian” for you, the opener of the album. Not the strongest one on the album in my eyes but a good start. My suggestions: “Thank You Gliese 370b”, “Houseboat Babies” and “Please Don’t Kill Me”.
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photo: David McClister
