Reptiel – Down Below World (Cubby Control Records, 2024)
San Francisco’s avant-garde label Cubby Control Records has released Down Below World, the latest concept album by Reptiel. This project is the band’s fifth studio release and marks the third entry in their science fiction and fantasy-inspired series, which began with Hobbitozz … A Land That Never Was (2015) and continued with The Planet of Progkp (2018).
In Down Below World, Reptiel revisits protagonist Sine and his cosmic guide, the Spirit Usher, as they journey within the planet Progkp to confront its deity, Thos. This saga through subterranean realms unfolds with dense, immersive tracks that audaciously mix psychedelic prog-rock, experimental sounds, vocal quirkiness, and complex lyrical narratives. Each song paints vivid scenes; exploring alternate worlds, encountering mystical entities, and grappling with existential challenges.
Reptiel recorded the album between 2019 and 2023 at San Francisco’s Light Rail Studios, under the production of Elton Cunniffe, a figure known for pioneering underground recordings in the Bay Area. Artwork for each track, created by a team of collaborating artists, provides visual interpretations of the album’s effulgent settings and themes.
“A Really Deep Groove” captures the album’s descent theme with visceral soundscapes and intricate rhythms, illustrating Sine’s fall into the depths of Progkp.
“It’s an Alternate World” introduces listeners to a shadowy, ritualistic underworld where Sine encounters the Thosian cult, worshippers of the planet’s elusive deity.
“Ja’roque” and “Ja’vere’s Theme” evoke primal and hypnotic imagery, drawing listeners into ritualistic sound environments led by the Thosian mystics.
“Thos Unearthed” culminates the narrative as Sine faces the deity, confronting philosophical questions of autonomy, faith, and transformation.
Musicians: Alec Way on guitars, keyboards, lead & backing vocals; Brian Weaver on bass, lead & backing vocals; Jason Gonzales on drums, percussion, backing; and Jason Yakich on guitars, backing vocals.
Cover art, “Thos unearthed,” by Dru Ariel .
Back cover art, “Chamber of Reflections,” by Rani Goel.
Tray art, “Post-synergistic, Atmospheric Explosion,” by Anselm Yew.
Booklet insert art by Yew and Tristy Taylor.
Art direction by Alissa Mach and Brian Weaver. Libretto text by Weaver.
Lyrics by Way and Weaver.
Story by Gonzales, way and Weaver.
This release continues Reptiel’s well-earned reputation for pushing the boundaries of progressive music and mythology in the San Francisco underground scene.
Buy Down Below World.