Yip-Yip - In the Reptile House

[Greg Dona]

Yip-Yip – In the Reptile House
Release Date: June 27, 2006
Record Label: Saf Records

Overall Score: 9.1/10

Never judge a book by its cover. The old adage often proves neither viable nor efficient in real life. When one views a scrawny, pimply teen doubled over under the weight of a bulging backpack juxtaposed with a burly, scruffy young man brimming with confidence and clutching a gym bag assuming the former to be a “nerd” and the latter a “jock” usually saves the spectator a lengthy discussion getting to know the aforementioned stereotypes. Sure each has their own unique characteristics and possibly an entirely different persona than their appearance may indicate, but simple conservation of time dictates that one more wisely makes small assumptions than justifies them through tedious research.

Then comes Yip-Yip. The Florida two-piece throws a party of a live show reserved in large for untalented amateurs either lost entirely in career direction or looking solely to entertain a few friends with an evening of unexpected twists and turns. Matching black and white checkered outfits complete with shaded goggles prove not the extent of but rather the beginning to the group’s performing antics. They are known to employ various machines to energize the ambiance and at times distribute lunch-sack style paper bags at gigs containing various objects such as thumb tacks. But Yip-Yip opposes the norm for such acts by managing to produce an eccentric bit of showmanship accompanied by respectable music.

The comparisons run inevitable; only the least videogame-exposed of listeners fails to draw connections between the sound of Yip-Yip and that of a Mario soundtrack. The opening “Candy Dinner” bounces with dark electronic pounds worthy of perhaps a Bowser castle or a setting of comparable spook in any of the Mario games. The track fades, blends, and leads into follow-up “Munch Much Mush?” seamlessly as the second song plays much like the first but with a more industrial overtone about it. On “Slime Shuns Sun Shine” we’re exposed to a trippy beat yielding to both hip-hop and Indian guises on the identity crisis riddled “Double Dolphin.”

What such a trite track to track contrast shows is that not only will Yip-Yip with their electric foundation and alliteration-filled titles bring diversity to your CD collection, but each track on In the Reptile House allows for the furthering of the uniqueness of your musical library. Every song runs amuck with unpredictable twists and turns accompanied by somehow varying loops. Never does the fan grow tired of the mess the crew turns into a beautiful musical composition. In other words, replayability never appears to be an issue.

We can oftentimes effectively judge a book by its cover. But when you uncover a surprise like Yip-Yip, you’ll be damned glad you didn’t

[perrone]

you should do more talking about the music and less trying to be the most flowery writer ever

this whole review i was thinking...get to the point!

maybe i will listen to this cd

[Steve Henderson]

you should do more talking about the music and less trying to be the most flowery writer ever

this whole review i was thinking...get to the point!

maybe i will listen to this cd
You're a douchebag.

[perrone]

did you read the review? i'm just being honest...the reviewer is too caught up in sounding all pretentious and smarter than the average bear, as opposed to just talking about the album, which is his purpose in the first place

there's a frickin paragraph about the music...one

[perrone]

and you should probably take another peek at your profile picture before you throw the word douchebag around!

[dictatortot]

did you read the review? i'm just being honest...the reviewer is too caught up in sounding all pretentious and smarter than the average bear, as opposed to just talking about the album, which is his purpose in the first place

there's a frickin paragraph about the music...one

i agree completely.

also, the reveiw talks more about the song titles than the lyrics, which are not mentioned even once, yet somehow he gave the lyrics a 9.0. for all we know there might not even be any lyrics.

[Steve Henderson]

did you read the review? i'm just being honest...the reviewer is too caught up in sounding all pretentious and smarter than the average bear, as opposed to just talking about the album, which is his purpose in the first place

there's a frickin paragraph about the music...one
I'm pretty sure Greg is not trying to be pretentious in any way, but just likes to frame his reviews, as do I. Do you really have nothing better to do besides come here and criticize every reviewer except Darren?

[perrone]

i like this man's username

[Steve Henderson]

and you should probably take another peek at your profile picture before you throw the word douchebag around!
Ohhh zing! How am I supposed to be internet-cool without an awesome picture!?! Asswipe.

[perrone]

I'm pretty sure Greg is not trying to be pretentious in any way, but just likes to frame his reviews, as do I. Do you really have nothing better to do besides come here and criticize every reviewer except Darren?

the kid could be the most unpretentious thing on the planet, but that review was full of mumbo jumbo b.s. and didn't talk a lick about what he was supposed to be talking about

and i'm just killing time at work, holmes...i don't criticize darren becase the dude is a great and fair writer who like an absurd amount of good music, unlike you, who tries to write five years over your head about stuff we all liked in 8th grade because we even knew what the hell good music was

[perrone]

Ohhh zing! How am I supposed to be internet-cool without an awesome picture!?! Asswipe.

how can you be real life cool WITH that picture? this is what i'm getting at...you obviously had someone take a picture of you holding a few beers while making a face that screams "i like dudes"

we're in college dude, we all drink beers, it's no freaking secret...stop trying so hard

[Steve Henderson]

the kid could be the most unpretentious thing on the planet, but that review was full of mumbo jumbo b.s. and didn't talk a lick about what he was supposed to be talking about

and i'm just killing time at work, holmes...i don't criticize darren becase the dude is a great and fair writer who like an absurd amount of good music, unlike you, who tries to write five years over your head about stuff we all liked in 8th grade because we even knew what the hell good music was
How does writing 5 years over my head mean I talk about juvenile music? Stop trying to get Darren to write for PunkNews, and stop being such a shit to everyone else on staff.

[Steve Henderson]

how can you be real life cool WITH that picture? this is what i'm getting at...you obviously had someone take a picture of you holding a few beers while making a face that screams "i like dudes"

we're in college dude, we all drink beers, it's no freaking secret...stop trying so hard
Ba-dum-pish!

Actually, I am out of college "brah" and live in the real world. That picture is like 4 years old. Sorry if it gives you a half-wood.

[perrone]

what are you even talking about? the two aren't related

i SAID...you write five years over your head ABOUT crappy music

BEER!!!!!!!!!! did you actually ASK someone to take that picture of you? hahaha

[perrone]

then that's pretty sad if you're using a picture that is SUPPOSEDLY four years old to try to make yourself look cool because you drink BEER!!!! SEVEN BEERS!!! wow

[Steve Henderson]

what are you even talking about? the two aren't related

i SAID...you write five years over your head ABOUT crappy music

BEER!!!!!!!!!! did you actually ASK someone to take that picture of you? hahaha
Um, either that or someone snapped a pic when I was cleaning up beer bottles on Spring Break. LOLz @ St3v3 h4h4h4h4h4 OMGzZZ!11

[perrone]

And You Decided It Was Cool Enough To Put On The Internet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[perrone]

whatever, that was in all capitals

let's just face the facts...you are a huuuge tool dude

[Greg Dona]

i agree completely.

also, the reveiw talks more about the song titles than the lyrics, which are not mentioned even once, yet somehow he gave the lyrics a 9.0. for all we know there might not even be any lyrics.
Vocals don't come up in this CD. I just used that rating and the "lyrics" one to mold the score into an overall average I thought the album deserved.

the kid could be the most unpretentious thing on the planet, but that review was full of mumbo jumbo b.s. and didn't talk a lick about what he was supposed to be talking about

and i'm just killing time at work, holmes...i don't criticize darren becase the dude is a great and fair writer who like an absurd amount of good music, unlike you, who tries to write five years over your head about stuff we all liked in 8th grade because we even knew what the hell good music was
Please try not to be the most condescending reader in the history of the universe. Honest to God (or gods or whatever you want to believe in) I appreciate criticism, but calling me out as striving to be "the most flowery writer ever" and labeling me "the kid" is unnecessary. Please just try to respect the fact that with my reviews all I'm trying to do is expose people to new music I think they'd like (or at times advise them to stray away from particular discs), not prove my immeasurable worth as a literary juggernaut.

And don't fuck with Steve about his picture. He's just being a loyal staff member and a good guy helping me out by backing me up. That's just kind of stupid to attack him in that manner.

[perrone]

this actually started out as constructive criticism, but your boy steve had to open his yap!

[HoldFastHope]

I'm just going to assume this isn't better than The Avalanche, and simply based on that this review is flawed. No chance in hell it's 7 points better than that release.

[Greg Dona]

this actually started out as constructive criticism, but your boy steve had to open his yap!
I think if you'd left out the "most flowery writer ever" line it would've come off a lot more as a constructive criticism rather than a personal jab. Oh well, whatever, I still appreciate that Steve covers my ass and that at least I have somebody reading my reviews. We'll see if I can toss up something more impressive for the Occult Hymn EP.

[Neptune]

i agree, this steve guy is a total dickweed.

[Greg Dona]

i agree, this steve guy is a total dickweed.
Steve kicks ass, both figuratively and literally.

[Julia Conny]

Steve kicks ass, both figuratively and literally.

I'll second that.

[perrone]

Steve kicks ass, both figuratively and literally.

naaaah dude, him and his cute little bleached blond locks aren't kicking anyones ass!

unless he's fighting with those trillion beer bottles that he DOWNED LIKE A TRUE CHAMP!!! then we have a problem

[thewebguy]

rofl i think this is the best thread i have ever read

i'm going to step in here and say that this is what i did:
- saw the review, thought of my friend vicki and though "eh, i'll check it out"
- clicked the review, saw the high rating
- decided, based on the rating that i would read the review

at the end of it, i still felt like i didn't know much of anything about the music.. i guess i will listen to them or something.

also calling perrone a douchebag isn't exactly backing greg up, even if he is one.

[Steve Henderson]

this actually started out as constructive criticism, but your boy steve had to open his yap!When you want to be constructive, try saying things like "Greg - not to be unnecessarily critical, but I feel like you did not talk enough about _______. In the future, you might want to try _____. On the other hand, I did like ______."

The way you worded it was to make yourself look like "teh badazz" or whatever. If you really want to be constructive and aren't giving lip service, be our guests. I always am looking for solid advice on my reviews, and am sure Greg is the same way. But when 35 our of your 50 posts are you being an asshole, don't expect the benefit of the doubt.

[perrone]

i vote "not a douchebag"

[Steve Henderson]

rofl i think this is the best thread i have ever read

i'm going to step in here and say that this is what i did:
- saw the review, thought of my friend vicki and though "eh, i'll check it out"
- clicked the review, saw the high rating
- decided, based on the rating that i would read the review

at the end of it, i still felt like i didn't know much of anything about the music.. i guess i will listen to them or something.

also calling perrone a douchebag isn't exactly backing greg up, even if he is one.I know it was not uber-professional, but I am out of patience with this guy.

[perrone]

When you want to be constructive, try saying things like "Greg - not to be unnecessarily critical, but I feel like you did not talk enough about _______. In the future, you might want to try _____. On the other hand, I did like ______."

The way you worded it was to make yourself look like "teh badazz" or whatever. If you really want to be constructive and aren't giving lip service, be our guests. I always am looking for solid advice on my reviews, and am sure Greg is the same way. But when 35 our of your 50 posts are you being an asshole, don't expect the benefit of the doubt.

first of all, i don't know what your deal is with saying i have some hidden fetish of being the board badass...i'm telling you my opinion and you're going to deal with it, goldilocks

i couldn't give a crap if anyone listened to me...i'm calling it how i see it

i'm not going to talk to you like your freaking third grade teacher concerning the first review exercise you ever did, spoon feeding you some baby talk b.s. and using "i messages" and shit

and seriously dude, even if you're saying it ironically, crap like "teh" and "oMgzZzZ!!11" are completely not funny and make you look even more like a tool

[Steve Henderson]

naaaah dude, him and his cute little bleached blond locks aren't kicking anyones ass!

unless he's fighting with those trillion beer bottles that he DOWNED LIKE A TRUE CHAMP!!! then we have a problemAww, you're cute making fun of my 4-year-old picture that was put up as an inside joke.

As for the beers, not all of us can be sXe like you, o champion of moralistic virtue! Go listen to some Kenny G or whatever your hipster ass listens to, graduate college, and then step up.

[Steve Henderson]

first of all, i don't know what your deal is with saying i have some hidden fetish of being the board badass...i'm telling you my opinion and you're going to deal with it, goldilocks

i couldn't give a crap if anyone listened to me...i'm calling it how i see it

i'm not going to talk to you like your freaking third grade teacher concerning the first review exercise you ever did, spoon feeding you some baby talk b.s. and using "i messages" and shit

and seriously dude, even if you're saying it ironically, crap like "teh" and "oMgzZzZ!!11" are completely not funny and make you look even more like a toolGod damn you are annoying. I find it amusing that you write for PunkNews, but you choose to spend your time here. Keep up the worthwhile contributions to the boards, though!

[perrone]

Aww, you're cute making fun of my 4-year-old picture that was put up as an inside joke.

As for the beers, not all of us can be sXe like you, o champion of moralistic virtue! Go listen to some Kenny G or whatever your hipster ass listens to, graduate college, and then step up.

holy crap you retard

you KNOW you're losing a battle when you start bringing up the irrelevant, sweetheart

"step up"...hahaha, ok tough guy

keep those tips frosty!

[perrone]

and fyi - i'm not making fun of beers, or drinking, or any of that...i'm making fun of the toolshed that's trying to look super awesome while on SPRING BREAK WOOOOOOOO!!!! GUYS TAKE A PICTURE OF ME HOLDING BEERS!!!! COLLEGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tool tool tool

[Steve Henderson]

and fyi - i'm not making fun of beers, or drinking, or any of that...i'm making fun of the toolshed that's trying to look super awesome while on SPRING BREAK WOOOOOOOO!!!! GUYS TAKE A PICTURE OF ME HOLDING BEERS!!!! COLLEGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tool tool toolSee you in a day. Learn some respect.

EDIT: Ah, I'm too much of a softy to ban you.

[perrone]

THIS IS THE INTERNET

stop taking you "job" so seriously

[Steve Henderson]

THIS IS THE INTERNET

stop taking you "job" so seriouslyOkay, think about this for a minute. It is the interweb and it is a job still. We put a lot of time into our reviews, as I am sure you do also (if you are a reviewer?). So really it is kind of crappy to see someone so carelessly shitting on our work. You have some vendetta against Greg, and I am not sure why, and you like to pick on Drew and myself too.

So just don't be such a dick, mmmkay?

[GoWaitInTheCar]

perrone, stop sucking at life and get the stick out of your ass. Greg and Steve are both very down to earth. They don't go on your website and criticize how much your site is compared to theirs.


On a more positive another note, I've never heard of this band, but by what you said Greg, I shouldn't overlook them, I'm gonna check them out sometime soon. Keep up the good work. :)

[Steve Henderson]

perrone, stop sucking at life and get the stick out of your ass. Greg and Steve are both very down to earth. They don't go on your website and criticize how much your site is compared to theirs.


On a more positive another note, I've never heard of this band, but by what you said Greg, I shouldn't overlook them, I'm gonna check them out sometime soon. Keep up the good work. :)We need to bring scene points back - you get a billion.

[GoWaitInTheCar]

We need to bring scene points back - you get a billion.

No, I shouldn't. I'm just telling the truth and we both know it. I'm not sure what that kids point even was.

[Steve Henderson]

No, I shouldn't. I'm just telling the truth and we both know it. I'm not sure what that kids point even was.To be the most awesomest person ever.

PS - I love you :)

[|ant|]

Guys seriously, lets keep the cock fights to a minimal. This guy has put up 2 reviews, let him grow. You are ruining his board to squabble about cool/uncool internet pics and if one or the other is a douchebag. Lets stick to keeping a review post about the music, shall we? Thank you and good day.

[Steve Henderson]

Guys seriously, lets keep the cock fights to a minimal. This guy has put up 2 reviews, let him grow. You are ruining his board to squabble about cool/uncool internet pics and if one or the other is a douchebag. Lets stick to keeping a review post about the music, shall we? Thank you and good day.
Haha, Greg has written a lot more than 2 reviews.

[|ant|]

Haha, Greg has written a lot more than 2 reviews.

ooops...well, give him constructive criticism rather than bash his style. Insert that last line into what I said previously.

[|ant|]

Haha, Greg has written a lot more than 2 reviews.

ooops....well then, give hime constructive criticism instead of bashing his style. Insert than line into what I previously posted.

[perrone]

wow

[dictatortot]

When you want to be constructive, try saying things like "Greg - not to be unnecessarily critical, but I feel like you did not talk enough about _______. In the future, you might want to try _____. On the other hand, I did like ______."

The way you worded it was to make yourself look like "teh badazz" or whatever. If you really want to be constructive and aren't giving lip service, be our guests. I always am looking for solid advice on my reviews, and am sure Greg is the same way. But when 35 our of your 50 posts are you being an asshole, don't expect the benefit of the doubt.
k i'll give it a shot.

Greg - not to be unnecessarily critical, but I feel like you did not talk enough about the music. In the future, you might want to try reviewing. On the other hand, I did like your profound insight on high school cliques. Oh yeah and the album art."

[Steve Henderson]

k i'll give it a shot.

Greg - not to be unnecessarily critical, but I feel like you did not talk enough about the music. In the future, you might want to try reviewing. On the other hand, I did like your profound insight on high school cliques. Oh yeah and the album art."
Cute.