KEXP Presents: Fresh Espresso, Reptar, BOAT at The Mural, Seattle Center 8/24

Fresh Espresso, Reptar, BOAT @ The Mural at Seattle Center | 8/24 | 5:30pm | FREE! | All Ages!

Fresh Espresso, Photo by Pavel Verbovski via Facebook

KEXP’s Concerts at the Mural series is in full effect, and this weekend the radio station is starting your Friday night on a raunchy note. If you’re not familiar with Seattle’s hip hop duo Fresh Espresso, where have you been? Clearly not at 2011’s or 2012’s Capitol Hill Block Party, their album release show for Bossalona at Nuemos earlier this year, or their packed Sasquatch 2012 performance. Make up for lost time at their show this Friday if you’ve missed them in the past – because in this writer’s less than humble opinion, they’re the best hip hop act in Seattle. Fighting words probably, but I stand by them. Having seen them half a dozen times, I can attest to this pair’s performances being mind blowing. MCs Rik Rude and P Smoov are animals on stage, and never miss a beat of their rhymes. Talent, stage presence, and killer tracks; Fresh Espresso has everything you’re looking for. Pro tip: remember to bring your shades to rock during “Sunglasses On.”

Reptar, Photo via Facebook

If Fresh Espresso doesn’t sell you on this free concert, take a listen to Reptar. Having released one of the best records of 2012 so far (Body Faucets) this performance is likely to be one that garuantees this band a place in the hearts of quite a few Seattleites. It’s easy to compare these guys to MGMT or Passion Pit, but they may be better than either. Their eclectic electro-pop is the most amazing soundtrack for a summer night. While summer may be ending, this album will keep you warm after September hits and Seattle turns a familiar shade of grey. I won’t keep depressing you with talk of Fall, but I will say, it’s next to impossible to be sad while listening to Reptar. Put on your happy pants and make sure you see their set.

Opening the evening is Seattle’s own BOAT. This band is everything to love about rock music – well written lyrics, easy to listen to, and they seem to know what they’re doing with their tools of the trade. They’re another sunny band that fits perfectly into this lineup. Plus, any band that writes songs about the streets of Seattle or nachos has an automatic fan in me. If you like Seattle, nachos, and catchy rock, you’ll probably dig BOAT. I could say something cheesy, like take a ride with BOAT, or sail away on their brand of Seattle rock, but I won’t. Just listen and meet me at the Mural.