These Cats Can Rock: The Republic Tigers

Click the video above to listen to The Republic Tigers' song: The Nerve

The Republic Tigers arrived in 2008 with Keep Color, a kaleidoscopic burst of symphonic psych pop that was universally hailed for its unique multi-faceted approach. The Kansas City-based quintet’s Chop Shop Records debut featured an array of styles – spanning future folk, high-spirited rock, and candy-colored pop – melded into a truly original and ingenious sound. Now, with the new No Land’s Man EP, The Republic Tigers continue to develop their epic vision in advance of their eagerly anticipated sophomore album (slated for release later this year).

As ever, the band’s love of classic songcraft remains at the forefront, serving as melodic canvas for their unique aural expressionism.

“Well, we’re still following the same guideline of each song having its own story and world of unique characteristics,” says singer/multi-instrumentalist Kenn Jankowski. “It’s in our bones to always be realizing and attempting truly creative and artistic expression at all costs. And yet, we love hooks and certain immediacies. So, if it is possible to marry these two innate enemies, then I think we’re doing it.”

The Republic Tigers first united in early 2006, when Jankowski – formerly of popular KC-based rock outfit, The Golden Republic – teamed with Adam McGill to explore a common interest in modern pop and avant-garde electronica. The roster quickly expanded to include guitarist/pianist Ryan Pinkston, bassist Marc Pepperman, and drummer Justin Tricomi, each of whom added new elements to the band’s intricate vision. A self-released EP emerged in late 2007, followed soon thereafter by Keep Color. From the soaring “Buildings & Mountains” to the swirling chorale of “Contortionists,” the album proved audacious and innovative, richly detailed with joyful guitars, complex orchestrations, and immense martial beats. Just as significantly, Keep Color was marked by its remarkable emotional power, its songs reflecting Jankowski’s desire to mesh themes of how technology and human nature clash and combine in the modern era.

While Keep Color was born of The Republic Tigers’ passion for inventive recording, the band followed it by making their bones as an inventive and resourceful live band. They spent much of 2008 and 2009 on the road, both headlining and sharing stages with Travis, Weezer, and Nada Surf. What’s more, the band performed on such high-profile programs as CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman and The WB.com’s Rockville CA, with their songs featured on an array of shows including Gossip Girl, Chuck, Grey’s Anatomy, and Supernatural.

No Land’s Man heralds the upcoming release of The Republic Tigers’ much-anticipated, as-yet-untitled second album. While reluctant to give away too many of its secrets, Jankowski confirms that he and his fellow musical explorers remain on their own idiosyncratic path, fervently committed to the creation of The Republic Tigers’ singular sonic magic.

“There may be a little more cohesion in our sound, as we are getting older and more familiar with each others’ knacks,” he says, “but rest assured, we will continue to carry the notion that the system is made to be broken…and used for new systems that we can then enjoy breaking. If you don’t break systems, you don’t make systems. You might say that ‘breakin’ stuff’ is the direction we’re barreling into. Preaching to ourselves, and letting you listen.”

For more information, visit: http://www.therepublictigers.com