Japanther

Japanther are the Brooklyn based noise rock duo of Ian Vanek (drums & tapes) and Matt Reilly (bass & vocals). The band has built up a solid fan base with almost constant touring.

Fast Facts:

1. Founded in Brooklyn, New York in 2001
2. Embarked on nine tours in their first two years as a band
3. Record Labels: Tapes Records/Menlo Park Recordings

Albums

1. South of Newport (EP) (2002)
2. Leather Wings (2003)
3. Dump the Body in Rikki Lake (2003)
4. The Operating Manual for Life on Earth EP (2004)
5. Master of Pigeons (2005)
6. Wolfenswan (2005)
7. Don't Trust Anyone Over Thirty (2006)
8. Skuffed Up My Huffy (2007)

Unconventional Performances

Vanek and Reilly formed Japanther while studying together at the prestigious New York art school Pratt Institute. They utilize antiquated or unconventional equipment during their shows, repurposing telephone handsets into microphones and playing damaned or discarded cassette tapes.

They began their relentless touring schedule in 2001, collaborating frequently on performance art pieces and video installations. In 2006, they teamed up with a synchronized swimming team at New York University. Later that year, they performed in the rain at the CitySol environmentally-themed event. They have also performed their concept album Dump the Body in Rikki Lake as a puppet show, collaborating with Being John Malkovich puppeteer Philip Huber.

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