Awesome New Republic is the duo of John Hancock and Brian Robertson, joined in the road by drummer Jorge Rubiera. They put their pants on just like the rest of you, one leg at a time. Except, once their pants are on, they turn into a mesmerizing maelstrom of high adrenaline electro-rock laced with infinitely melodic synth pop.
ANR’s diverse appeal -- while more electro and danceable on record, their live shows have become legend for a level of wild abandon and crowd engagement that recalls early Clash or Fugazi, perhaps with a touch of vintage Prince -- has put them at the center of a vibrant Florida indie scene that includes fellow artists such as Holiday Shores, Rachel Goodrich, and the Down Home Southernaires.
"Any band hoping to make it in the diverse and somewhat isolated environs of Miami needs to be immediately arresting, artistically inventive, and incredibly dedicated." says New York Times. "ANR are all three."
It's a formula that makes for what Stereogum calls "a laptop-laced mix of guitar rock, soul, and crunked party beats," concluding simply: "We are digging"
