Republic of Loose

Disregarding appearances, Dublin, Ireland's Republic of Loose could be mistaken for an American hip-hop collective. With a 12-strong roster, seven core members, and five "associates," the group has done little to play down the association. Like the Rolling Stones (an admitted influence) before them, Republic of Loose's key influences are unashamedly contemporary and unashamedly American, their music a curious blend of gangster rap, smooth popular soul and classic funk, with a healthy dose of the surreal thrown in for good measure. Yet, as ridiculous as seven Irishmen sporting cute pseudonyms and masquerading as gang-bangers may appear, Republic of Loose have the musical chops to pull the illusion off. Republic of Loose began as Johnny Pyro & the Rock Coma, an informal arrangement of musicians under the direction of singer Mick Pyro (real name Michael Tierney) and guitarist Dave Pyro (Dave Haughton). Dave had previously been a member of indie rock group Sportsman, while Mick had briefly glimpsed success as a songwriter for his sister's band Chicks, who were signed to Dreamworks in 1998 and unceremoniously dropped not long afterward. In 2001, "the Pyros" renamed the band Republic of Loose and made three quick additions to their ranks: guitarist Brez Breslin, bassist Benjamin Loose and drummer Coz Noleon. Over the two years that followed, the band built up a reputation as a live act of note, and in 2003 they were signed to Big Cat Records, once the U.K. home of Jeff Buckley and Pavement. In late 2003, Republic of Loose issued their first single in Ireland, the smooth soul number "Girl I'm Gonna Fuck You Up." In 2004, they released their first full-length album. This Is the Tomb of the Juice with the assistance of producers Gareth Mannix (Angels of Mons, Delorentos) and...