Live Review: FEATURE ARTIST: Reptar

Hopefully you all remember that amazing 90's children's television program, Rugrats. If not, you probably weren't around when it invaded our early morning rituals through Cheese TV before heading to a gruelling day at primary school.

But why did we even bring this up? Seems a little odd for a music-based website. Well, one of the now defunct show's most loved characters, REPTAR, is given new life in the form of an Georgian indie-pop act (not really, but they share the same name).

And no, they're not a Rugrats cover band - nor do they dress up in Godzilla-like costumes. Instead, they create super catchy and upbeat pop songs with electronic tendencies and a distinct summer flavour. The American five-piece have been going from strength to strength since their inception back in late 2008, with a number of songs receiving high rotation across the States even before they'd properly released a single.

As for what they sound like, we'd like to sample the bio found on the band's Last.fm page. We think it fits perfectly.

"Imagine you take a giant stuffed panda bear and you animate it using sparkling ultraviolet ray pulses. You also take Big Bird. You put them in a room to fight to the death with marshmallow swords. But then you realize that there is no such thing as death and so really they’re just hitting each other, and every time they hit each other rainbows bounce off the walls and little morsels of marshmallow blast off. Until eventually the whole room is plastered with beating rainbow bits of marshmallow and then you melt it down into a soup and everyone eats and we cure world hunger like that. That’s how REPTAR sounds" 

If that description doesn't satisfy, the band's unique blend of jungle pop and synths has got critics all over likening the band to Animal Collective, The Talking Heads and early MGMT. On top of this, they've gained a reputation for their live shows, including regular house party performances. In true DIY spirit, the band has played countless shows in cramped living rooms and backyards.

REPTAR's long awaited debut long player, Body Faucet, is due out May 1st via Vagrant Records. And, after wowing crowds across America, including some shows at the most recent SXSW, they will definitely be the kind of band we see in the afternoon sun at Splendour or Falls in the near future.

Here's the album's lead single - 'Sebastian' for your streaming pleasure.

The PURPLE SNEAKERS DJS also gave REPTAR a re-rub. Have a listen below;

Words by Thomas Hutchins.

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