MELBOURNE – JAPANTHER

Japanther is the beast of a band consisting of Matt Reilly and Ian Vanek. Over three years ago we described them as sounding as though “Iron Maiden, Throbbing Gristle and Lightning Bolt gave birth to a squealing little baby with flaming guitars for arms” and we’re really pleased to report that they haven’t toned down a bit. They are about to head to Australia for some more shows and countless apple bongs.

Vice: Hey Japanther, what have you been up to since you were in Australia for the Vice parties last time?
In the two years since we’ve seen your shores Japanther has been mighty busy. We’ve been a part of writing two puppet rock operas “Don’t Trust Anyone Over Thirty” with Dan Graham and “Dump The Body In Rikki Lake” of our own device. We also wrote and performed water ballet with Olympic sycronized swimmer Lauren McFall and Auquadoom in April of 2006. We’ve released a couple EPs, toured Europe, Canada and the US several times each and now we are getting ready to release our new full length album “Skuffed Up My Huffy” with EXO records in Melbourne.

There’s a nice contrast in your music between how erratic and insane it is sometimes and how melodic and calming it is at others. What’s with that?
Life consists of peaks and valleys, our music often times reflects that.

When you were in Australia last time, a few public telephones became victim to your stage show. Do you still use old telephone mouthpieces as microphones and have you developed any new techniques since?
Let me clarify that y’all have some sticky fingers in Melbourne. Two tours ago (the Vice tour) a sweet little girl stole our phones right off the stage after the show. This forced our animal to adapt and cut a few weird Aussie square phones. Her friends returned it later with a note on it that blamed booze. Then we met Her on July 4th in Brooklyn. She was sheepish but nice! HAHA… We are exploring new avenues daily, but yes we are still screaming into payphones.

Matt, last time you guys were here, it was hard to focus on anything but your enormous afro. How’s that going?
I had to switch it up and cut that beast, too many people recognizing me on the street. It’s coming back in nicely though.

The artwork for your album covers, t-shirts and other paraphernalia is consistently incredible. Do you do that yourself?
We try our best to be a self-sufficient unit, this includes logo design, shirt screening, tour booking, etc.

What’s the greatest thing you have learnt recently?
To die with honor is much greater than to die with money.
www.tapesrecords.com

March Tour Dates
2nd Melbourne – Children of the Night @ Roxanne
3rd Tasmania Launcesten
4th Tasmania Hobart
7th Perth – @ Cassette
8th Brisbane – @ Columbian
15th Sydney – TBA
16th Adelaide – @ Rocket Bar
17th Adelaide – @ URTEXT
for more gig details please visit www.myspace.com/exorecords