KSUB SEATTLE DOT ORG: Reptar, Cults and Foster the People

Clad in overalls, eager to set the mood of the Sunday night crowd - Reptar began their set with hoots and howls: characteristic noises found within every tune of ‘Oblangle Fizz, Y’all.’ Keen on synths, the four put their motto, “Reptar likes to first and foremost make people dance,” into groove- beginning with saturated arm gestures in song “Blastoff.” The enthusiastic quartet have been known to represent similar beats to their big brother band, Animal Collective, and vocals much like the Talking Heads. Though their first album was just recently released (August 2, 2011) by many well-known artists, (Ben Allen of AnCo, Matt + Kim, Gnarls Barkley etc...) the group has been around since 2008. The cheery disposition and passion they put forward into their performance this particular Sunday evening, would certainly be something interesting to see with better lighting and a more excited crowd. Reptar is comparable to those grow toys where water needs to be added, they’re growing, and likely to be quite large.

Second in performance was the group, Cults. Sultry, garbed in blouses- long-haired band members put their soulful vocals to work. Reminiscent of old sweet radio voices, particular songs, “Go Outside” and “Abducted” were among crowd favorites. A few lighters showed up during “You Know What I Mean,” a somber mood was certainly prominent, a good thing considering the message of the tune. What separates the Cults’ songs from so many other bands is their proficiency with the clinking xylophone. Though the crowd wasn’t too rowdy for the set, Cults did wish for a longer set and more energetic bunch to dance to it, and then they introduced Foster the People.

Attracting such a diverse crowd from the one the band attracted last year, was headlining band, Foster the People. Containing everywhere from couples that probably had children in adulthood, tween girls wearing glasses without lenses, to that typical independent ‘hipster’ clustering that Seattle is so well reputed for. It’s no wonder Showbox had to move the sold out show from Showbox ‘Market’ to Showbox ‘Sodo,’ a venue for larger crowds. Grooving began right away, thick blue lights cut darkness and “Houdini” began. The audience lip synced along with closed eyes and noses to the sky throughout the set and Mark Foster leaped around the stage. Upon requesting an encore, Foster the People played a piano song, one not yet recored to an album titled “Ruby.”

Finally, a real treat for the audience, was an unexpected collaboration. Heavy booming drums and exaggerated motions to play them were back on from the original Reptar set, (along with Reptar too,) and an untamable remix was played by the three performing bands. Going quite wild, the crowed undulated and bobbed with excitement as strobes flashed every which way. The stage was busy with musicians of all three groups doing their part for the grand finale. Leaving with a sense of spectacular wow within their chests, the audience filed out and went out into the night.