Artist of the Day
The Republic Tigers
The Republic Tigers
Kansas City-based quintet convince with atmospheric, glossy electro-folk on just-released debut, Keep Color.
By William Goodman 05.09.08 3:29 PM
The Republic Tigers
What? Emerging from a curious indie-rock-meets-new-age fog, located somewhere between Enya, Bright Eyes, and Air, the Republic Tigers debut this week with Keep Color (out May 6), an excellent collection of acoustic guitars, backing ooohhhs and aaahhhs, sailing keys, and frontman Kenn Jankowski's hushed vocals, all covered in a ethereal, smooth production. And album opener "Buildings & Mountains" is an apt mission statement, with its digi-filtered instrumentation, sputtering progressions, and otherworldly transcendence. Tune in and -- in the word's of Enya -- "sail away."
Who? Kansas City-based quintet the Republic Tigers -- the first signing to new Atlantic Records imprint Chop Shop -- comprising Kenn Jankowski (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Adam McGill (guitar, vocals), Ryan Pinkston (guitar, keys, vocals, percussion), Marc Pepperman (bass, keys, accordion), and Justin Tricomi (drums). Catch the band on tour this spring with Tally Hall, and this summer warming stages for Nada Surf.
Fun Fact: Considering the band's use of computers in its music, it's no surprise the quintet have an affinity for video games. According to a spokesperson, the Republic Tigers are religious gamers, playing Halo 3, Call of Duty 4, and Ninja Gaiden 2 nonstop. And you can play along! Frontman Kenn Jankowski's Xbox Live gamer tag: eekswoknaj.
Now Hear This: "Buildings & Mountains" (DOWNLOAD MP3)
they're only getting attention because they're signed to the guru behind the oc music, alexandra patsavas's label, chop shop records. their new album should be called "keep covered".
In response to devandrewbanhart: To the contrary, the Tigers were receiving nationwide attention for months before a deal with Patsavas' label even came up on the radar. Chop Shop would not have even heard about them otherwise. I, and many friends, were devoted fans of their early self-released material for as long as a year prior to their signing and rumors of other record companies showing interest were abundant. Naturally, the news of a deal was thrilling. The band's continuing success was predictable from the get-go. I've been following their careers closely and they show a lot of promise. Everyone check out the Republic Tigers. You won't be sorry.
The Republic Tigers are awesome. People should check out these interviews that they did. You really get to know more about the band.
http://www.uncensoredinterview.com/artists/194-The-Republic-Tigers