White Reaper w/ Post Animal

The World’s Best American Band. The bold statement from Louisville’s White Reaper is not only the title of their new album, but also the band’s credo. “Because we are the best,” says guitarist/vocalist Tony Esposito. “Just like Muhammad Ali was the greatest, you gotta say it out loud for people to believe it." And with that mentality the band hit the studio with close friend and producer Kevin Ratterman (My Morning Jacket, Young Widows) and made a good ol' fashioned in-your-face rock ’n’ roll record. “We didn’t make this record or start this band because we wanted to come across in a single, certain way," says Esposito. “We just make records that we'd want to hear. We started doing this because it's fun as hell, just as much now as it was when we were 14." Boasting textured melodies, layered guitars and more seasoned lyrics, The World’s Best American Band finds the quartet busting out of the basement sound established on their previous full length (2015’s White Reaper Does It Again) and setting their sights on the arena. Garnished with glimpses of the golden age of rock and roll, TWBAB is loaded with guitars that scream and gigantic drums in lockstep rhythm, each song packing its own massive, but none the less unique, punch. Lead single “Judy French” struts like a runway model raised on Heavy Metal Parking Lot, while midway point “The Stack” pairs a classic rock shimmy with a flair for glam. Since the release of WBAB, the Kentucky boys have taken 2017 by the horns, having already played to over 25,000 fans with highlights including Sold Out headlining dates in Louisville, Chicago, Brooklyn (twice, mind you), and Washington DC, along with blistering festival appearances at SXSW, Bonnaroo, Hangout, Bunbury, X Games, and a main stage performance at Lollapalooza. Armed with a record that celebrates rock in all of its glory, they are poised to satisfy crowds whether they are packed shoulder-to-shoulder in the "standing room only" pit or kicking back in the cheap seats. “Come to the show, have a drink, have fun,” laughs Esposito. “But be nice to everybody, cause you're gonna get real close." Post Animal is a psych rock band born and bred in the roaring music hub that is Chicago, Illinois. True to their DIY roots, they feel most at home playing in a crowded basement surrounded by dancing strangers and sweaty friends. Members include Dalton Allison, Jake Hirshland, Joe Keery, Javi Reyes, Wesley Toledo and Matt Williams. Moving and grooving as this six-piece since 2016, the boys of Post Animal developed a loyal fan base early on following their single "When I Get Home," which landed them shout outs in Paper Mag, Vice and NME.