Bristol dark-fuzz trio Holy Reptile have released their latest single, The Land, from their upcoming second EP due later this year. We asked them the BIG questions . . .
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
Name a town in the U.K. and Ed has probably lived there. Offer Sam the chance for a nap and he'll take it. David would actually like to make a career out of quoting Peep Show. If he doesn’t achieve that then music will do.
How would you describe your music?
We’re never sure how to answer this question. We’ve had a few labels such as dark fuzz, gothic psych rock and fuzz. We’re happy with all of these. Dark fuzz is probably our favourite as it represents the energy that we go for and is just generally a cool description of the sound we produce.
Who are your musical inspirations?
We are all constantly sharing music with each other and definitely have a mixed taste. We all love The Black Angels and Queens of The Stone Age which heavily influences our sound. We are all in agreement that Humbug is the best Arctic Monkeys album, for a good sing along we love to listen to Weezer on the way to shows. David loves the style of Leonard Cohen and pretty much knows every song ever and loves the cure and DIIV. Sam and Ed both have a broad range as well listening to bands such as La Femme, Shame, The Wytches.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Ed's first gig was seeing a band called Milburn in Birmingham - they used to tour with the Arctic Monkeys a lot and he fell in love with their fast drums and Thin Lizzy like twin lead. David’s first show was INHEAVEN at Tunbridge Wells Forum. Sam’s first gig was Royal Blood at Alexander Palace. Got the tickets for his 16th birthday and went a bit too hard in the pit for a first gig.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Ed - Franz Ferdinand by Franz Ferdinand. This is one of the first albums I learned to drum to. I used to turn my CD player on full volume and just play for hours. My parents eventually bought me headphones.
David - Paranoid - Black Sabbath - My dad’s probably been my first musical influence. I grew up listening to his rock CDs in the car. Paranoid was the first one that made me start to get interested in heavy music’
Sam - It was either Royal Blood's self-titled record or The Balcony by Catfish and the Bottlemen. I bought them both on the same day as getting my first very cheap record player.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Ed - My favourite song right now is definitely Minotaur by the Oh Sees. It really resonates with me for some reason.
David - Driving Death Valley Blues by Mark Lanegan.
Sam - Different Person by Shame. This whole album has really stuck with me since its release, but this song in particular really caught my attention with that awesome sing rhythm towards the end.
Favourite lyric of all time?
David - "I pulled myself from the rocker, looking like a dangled tangerine peel held by invisible fingers". - Mark Lanegan.
Ed - "Men get sick at their work each and every day, there ain't no cure but to stay, stay home today, go to the beach instead" - Thee Oh Sees.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ed - Dancing In The Moonlight - Thin Lizzy. It reminds me of my parents and road trips to France when I was young.
David - Be Forewarned - Pentagram
Sam - Stop Beating on My Heart (Like a Bass Drum) by Tigercub. It’s just a song I always find myself coming back to more than any other. There’s a consistency to Tigercub as a band generally, but I think that shines through most in this song.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find us on all of the main digital streaming platforms at Holy Reptile. At @holyreptileband on Facebook and Twitter and @holyreptileofficial on Instagram.
