This curious new jewel of Athens, GA calls themselves a “Sonic Wanderlust.” I’m not sure exactly what a “sonic wanderlust” entails, but their tastes are as strange as the word “wanderlust.” I’m talking post-punk, Paul Simon-esque African pop licks, and joyous chanting. Strange isn’t just their collection of influences, but their style of live show too — SXSW-goers lucky enough to catch the Reptar show would’ve seen four roommates playing on the bed of a pickup truck. If you think that’s neat… so did NME and NPR, so you’re not alone.
Their shows started in that very same buttercup yellow house that they share, and things moved up from there. They originally tried to name the band “Invisible Boyfriend” but didn’t because the band agreed it was the stupidest name they’d ever heard of. They settled on “Reptar” because “it is the second stupidest band name we have ever heard.”
“Sebastian” is the first track off of their debut LP, Body Faucet, which is slated to come out May 1 — and if the first track has any bearing on the rest, I’m totally spending my leftover iTunes gift cards on it. It’s got that Vampire Weekend quirkiness with a more standard pop feel, but excellent songwriting and musicianship to boot. Their old sound is just as clear in this track, so there’s no room for “I like their old stuff better,” yet.