The Rubbish Zoo

With their wistful lyrics, tropical inflected flourishes and coastal chords, every song from The Rubbish Zoo sounds like it should be backing some pivotal scene from a trendy Cali-centric teen drama. While always a lot of fun, this LA by way of Cheyenne band provides enough technical and lyrical substance that one doesn’t have to worry about guilty being a side effect to the pleasure of their music. Ian, Jason, and Adam of The Rubbish Zoo volunteered to show us what’s been topping the charts on their iTunes, which spans everything from psychedelic electro pop to a near obsessive fandom with 1980s blue-eyed soul, haha. - TenYouUs

Sunny-side-up indie music that's heavy on the catchiness and light on the angst, The Rubbish Zoo's self-titled EP is four tracks of adorably eclectic rock gems. The sound is wild and diverse, full of bright-eyed, Vampire Weekend-like wonder and charm. For a good way to start your morning with an indie explosion, try "I Don't Know Where I Go", "Mouth" and "Look Alive". - WLUR FM

Sunny-side-up indie music that's heavy on the catchiness and light on the angst, The Rubbish Zoo's self-titled EP is four tracks of adorably eclectic rock gems. The sound is wild and diverse, full of bright-eyed, Vampire Weekend-like wonder and charm. For a good way to start your morning with an indie explosion, try "I Don't Know Where I Go", "Mouth" and "Look Alive". - WLUR FM

Here's a nifty little band called The Rubbish Zoo. Ok, I will never use the phrase "nifty little" again, in any context. But don't let it stop you from checking out this infectious indie rock that feels like a menagerie of delightful noise. There is an EP out, which kicks off with this great track "I Don't Know Where I Go." Apparently the band moved to LA from Cheyenne, Wyoming, making them what I assume to be the first band I've ever heard with any ties to the Equality State (did you know that was its nickname??). Cool. - Those Who Dig

[...]
The Rubbish Zoo is definitely extremely talented in all aspects of music, being great songwriters, being able to produce their music and to distribute their music in an easy, hassle-free way. All very needed things to learn to be a band. Although there were a few things they should correct, their ability is off the charts with their great songwriting. The Los Angeles based group really gave us a California mindset while listening to this EP. The Rubbish Zoo is a fantastic group which will for sure be in your ears and on your iPods within a year or two. - Vents Magazine

The Rubbish Zoo have had a couple of releases since relocating from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Los Angeles over a year ago. The latest release is a self titled album that was written and recorded by the band over the course of a few months. Listen to "Mouth" now (below). - Tasty Ears

There was a good case for Reptar's "Orafice Oragami" as the song and the sound of the summer. Entering themselves firmly into the conversation is Los Angeles-by-way-of-Cheyenne (yes, that Cheyenne, the one with the terrifying Stage Coach motel) band The Rubbish Zoo with the ebullient "I Don't Know Where I Go." The song centers itself in yelping group vocals and lyrics like, "warm and beach burned, I was daydreaming of sunny skin I could climb." The guitars chirp with the Afro-beat and World Music sensibilities that just about everyone uses these days, but rarely are these sensibilities used so well as on "I Don't Know Where I Go." The lyrics outline the languid days of protracted adolescence, all inside some serious linear anxieties like, "I can be alright if I make up my mind," before the chorus kicks to remind the listener that most of these kids have no idea what they're doing. Of course, this is the type of art that can be most elevating and meaningful, a song about the crushing world of both too many and too few choices. The Rubbish Zoo chose a clear direction, a fun and memorable EP and a stirring anthem for the season, a season that hasn't reached the solstice for this generation of longer days and worn out kids, a world of incredible possibility with absolutely nowhere to go. - 32 Feet/Second

Here’s a new song for you kids into the indie-pop genre from L.A. based group The Rubbish Zoo. The jam is called “I Don’t Know Where I Go” and appears on the band’s latest self-titled EP that can be streamed for free over on their soundcloud page. Hopefully these are some jams that can put you in a better mood if you’re Monday hasn’t started the way you wanted it to.
- Austin Town Hall

Here’s a new song for you kids into the indie-pop genre from L.A. based group The Rubbish Zoo. The jam is called “I Don’t Know Where I Go” and appears on the band’s latest self-titled EP that can be streamed for free over on their soundcloud page. Hopefully these are some jams that can put you in a better mood if you’re Monday hasn’t started the way you wanted it to.
- Austin Town Hall

Originally from Cheyenne, Wyoming, The Rubbish Zoo moved to Los Angeles a couple of years ago in order to pursue their desire to make individual and eclectic indie-rock. The decision looks to have been a shrewd one so far, with the quintet bagging some decent size gigs and scattering of press attention. They've also spent this time honing their sound and getting down to some serious writing, with a couple of self-made EPs under their belt already. The most recent of these being the four demos that make up 'The Rubbish Zoo EP', released earlier this year.

There's definite promise here, even if the songs feel like they need an expert eye cast over the production to really fulfil their promise. The makings of a very good band are in place. Anyone who's been following the alternative scene over the past year or two will find familiar sounds but presented in a slightly different way. You can hear elements of Real Estate, Vampire Weekend and even MGMT in their music. A blend of poppy melodies, synths, harmonies and more traditional alt-rock sounds. They have some decent songs and are beginning to develop a distinctive sound. While The Rubbish Zoo aren't quite the finished article just yet, they're heading in the right direction. - The Sound of Confusion

Originally from Cheyenne, Wyoming, The Rubbish Zoo moved to Los Angeles a couple of years ago in order to pursue their desire to make individual and eclectic indie-rock. The decision looks to have been a shrewd one so far, with the quintet bagging some decent size gigs and scattering of press attention. They've also spent this time honing their sound and getting down to some serious writing, with a couple of self-made EPs under their belt already. The most recent of these being the four demos that make up 'The Rubbish Zoo EP', released earlier this year.

There's definite promise here, even if the songs feel like they need an expert eye cast over the production to really fulfil their promise. The makings of a very good band are in place. Anyone who's been following the alternative scene over the past year or two will find familiar sounds but presented in a slightly different way. You can hear elements of Real Estate, Vampire Weekend and even MGMT in their music. A blend of poppy melodies, synths, harmonies and more traditional alt-rock sounds. They have some decent songs and are beginning to develop a distinctive sound. While The Rubbish Zoo aren't quite the finished article just yet, they're heading in the right direction. - The Sound of Confusion

I thought the zoo we went to had far too many tiny Chinese dogs. It was a rubbish zoo!

Whoops, messed up the punchline there.

But anyway, The Rubbish Zoo are a five piece band born in Wyoming but based in California, and are a band that seem to have a complete ball recording their music if "I Don't Know Where I Go" is anything to go by. The track has a rather upbeat feel to it with a Vampire Weekend/Givers kind of vibe.

The track mixes these with close harmony vocals, incredibly strong pop hooks and some interesting keyboard sounds that sound like they should be featured on a cheesy 80s anthem and the soundtrack to Crash Bandicoot simultaneously. It's one of the most interesting songs I've heard so far this year, and perhaps one of the more fun tracks as well.

"I Don't Know Where I Go" is taken from the band's 2nd E.P, "The Rubbish Zoo", which is out now.
- The Metaphorical Boat

I thought the zoo we went to had far too many tiny Chinese dogs. It was a rubbish zoo!

Whoops, messed up the punchline there.

But anyway, The Rubbish Zoo are a five piece band born in Wyoming but based in California, and are a band that seem to have a complete ball recording their music if "I Don't Know Where I Go" is anything to go by. The track has a rather upbeat feel to it with a Vampire Weekend/Givers kind of vibe.

The track mixes these with close harmony vocals, incredibly strong pop hooks and some interesting keyboard sounds that sound like they should be featured on a cheesy 80s anthem and the soundtrack to Crash Bandicoot simultaneously. It's one of the most interesting songs I've heard so far this year, and perhaps one of the more fun tracks as well.

"I Don't Know Where I Go" is taken from the band's 2nd E.P, "The Rubbish Zoo", which is out now.
- The Metaphorical Boat

The Rubbish Zoo on The Bull Pit Podcast #158 - The Bull Pit Podcast

The Rubbish Zoo on The Bull Pit Podcast #158 - The Bull Pit Podcast

Clearly the upbeat, sunny songs of old aren’t as extinct as we thought them to be.

They live on in tracks like “I Don’t Know Where I Go” by the indie-pop group The Rubbish Zoo.

The first track on the L.A. based band’s self entitled EP, “I Don’t Know Where I Go,” manages to squish together the lighthearted sounds of Vampire Weekend and Surfer Blood with the bittersweet lyrical themes of Modest Mouse, creating their own nostalgic and very colorful sound. Laid-back guitar melodies, synth moments that don’t drown out the rest of the song, and a cheerful xylophone accompaniment throughout make sure to get you in a good mood.

“I Don’t Know Where I Go” is a very refreshing counterpart to the gloom-and-doom tones that are taking over music scenes at the moment. Some hardcore indie fans may find it a little too “pop” for their taste, but after a few listens, we think you’ll find a lot more to The Rubbish Zoo than meets the ears. - In Your Speakers

The Rubbish Zoo. How you guys got started in the music scene and what’s the story behind the band’s name?

We moved to Los Angeles two years ago from Wyoming and started a band. We wrote some songs, promoted the hell out of ourselves and here we are.



The band’s name is a stranger story. One night we spoke of names together as a group, but couldn’t come up with anything. That same evening we had what we like to call a “collective dream”. Native American shamans speak of similar things happening to young tribe members on vision quests. We all dreamed the same thing at the exact same moment in time and space- all of us were locked in cages made of wheat at a zoo and people walked by and dumped trash on us. So, naturally, we named the band after a specific segment on Da Ali G Show.



What makes your music different to other bands out there?

We don’t approach our music as any sort of specific “thing”. We just sort of start doing whatever feels right at the moment. Our broad influences as individuals power this “thing” to sound unique.



Anytime anyone has referred to our “sound”, they have referenced a new, different band. We rarely get compared to the same band twice, which is nice. It feels like most listeners can reference something specific they like in our sound, so we plan to keep working with this same eclectic collective method.



What are your music influeces?

The Muppets. The Muppet Babies. Muppets Christmas Carol. Muppets in Space. Muppet Treasure Island. Oh, and Alice Cooper.



How was it to open for bands like This Providence, The Swellers?

That happened in an earlier form of one of our bands. It was a great experience. We played with The Swellers a couple times years ago, and must say that they are one of the hardest working bands out there, so it’s great to see them being recognized for it. We see them in magazines lately and it’s exciting to point at their picture and say, “I opened for that band.” We played with This Providence right when their last record came out and they were a band we looked up to and thoroughly enjoyed, so it was an honor to be on a bill with them. In general though, there’s a great deal that newcomers can learn from established touring bands, so we always try to absorb as much information as we can when we’re fortunate enough to play with more established bands.



The Rubbish Zoo EP. How was the process recording and writing the album?

We essentially wrote the album together in a room. We said, “Let’s get four songs done and record them.” We took a break from shows and started writing and shaping each of the four tracks.



Recording was very much the same. We sat down and built each song – track by track – in the band room together. Then once we had the skeleton of what we worked on live, we started adding nuance and atmosphere and other things to build dynamic. For us, it’s important to have a specific shape and feel for each track before we start recording.



What has been at least of the funniest moments you guys have been while touring?

From all the years the five of us have been playing in bands, we definitely have some great story ammo. But here’s one specific to us now-



The first show we ever played as a band was up in North Hollywood a couple months after we moved out to LA. The promoter had us listed as playing in a “music loft”, and it was part of a multi-venue music event. When we showed up to load-in we realized we were playing in a person’s studio/loft that also very much served as their house. And weren’t the only ones using the space at the time- there was a break dancing class, and the people that lived there were cooking in the kitchen area. We had a great turnout that night and about halfway through our set the police showed up because one of the neighbors had complained about the noise. It was the first time we’d ever had cops arrive to shut down a show. Even at the time we were laughing about the ra - Vents Magazine

The Rubbish Zoo, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, is comprised of members from Save My Hero and This Isn't Congress. Their debut EP A Great Detective Race is intended to be catchy, smart indie rock. In true indie fashion, the EP was self-recorded in their own studio. The "cowboys", as they call themselves, certainly bring a unique sound to the indie rock world.

The first track is "More Ink Than An Octopus". The lead vocals immediately remind me of My Chemical Romance frontman, Gerard Way, but with less edge and anger. The song itself is poppy and upbeat, and actually sounds like something I'd listen to on vacation, with almost a tropical feel. For an in-home recording, the production value of A Great Detective Race EP is admirable. The Rubbish Zoo certainly has potential. Here's to hoping they exploit it fully. - Stereo Killer

The Rubbish Zoo, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, is comprised of members from Save My Hero and This Isn't Congress. Their debut EP A Great Detective Race is intended to be catchy, smart indie rock. In true indie fashion, the EP was self-recorded in their own studio. The "cowboys", as they call themselves, certainly bring a unique sound to the indie rock world.

The first track is "More Ink Than An Octopus". The lead vocals immediately remind me of My Chemical Romance frontman, Gerard Way, but with less edge and anger. The song itself is poppy and upbeat, and actually sounds like something I'd listen to on vacation, with almost a tropical feel. For an in-home recording, the production value of A Great Detective Race EP is admirable. The Rubbish Zoo certainly has potential. Here's to hoping they exploit it fully. - Stereo Killer

Check out The Rubbish Zoo's "I Don't Know Where I Go" in the May mixtape. - Indie Soup Runner

"I don’t know much about them [yet], but they make some great tunes..." - Dandelion Radio

"I don’t know much about them [yet], but they make some great tunes..." - Dandelion Radio

The Rubbish Zoo are 5 guys from Cheyenne, Wyoming who now reside in L.A. They’re the combination of the bands Save My Hero and This Isn?t Congress. They came together to form The Rubbish Zoo with the intention of creating smart indie rock that has plenty of catchy hooks.

The guys sent me “Fade” & “More Ink Than An Octopus”, two songs from their debut EP, A Great Detective Race. From what I hear, these achieved their goal and more. Their songs are high energy indie rock songs with guitars graced with a tropical twang. I can’t help but be reminded of the sound found on The Little Ones debut EP, Lovers Who Uncover. These are happy songs with jangle in their step. If you like upbeat indie rock, then you can’t go wrong with The Rubbish Zoo.

These guys are currently an unsigned band. That’s going to change pretty damn soon if there’s any justice in this world of ours. - We All Want Someone To Shout For

The Rubbish Zoo are 5 guys from Cheyenne, Wyoming who now reside in L.A. They’re the combination of the bands Save My Hero and This Isn?t Congress. They came together to form The Rubbish Zoo with the intention of creating smart indie rock that has plenty of catchy hooks.

The guys sent me “Fade” & “More Ink Than An Octopus”, two songs from their debut EP, A Great Detective Race. From what I hear, these achieved their goal and more. Their songs are high energy indie rock songs with guitars graced with a tropical twang. I can’t help but be reminded of the sound found on The Little Ones debut EP, Lovers Who Uncover. These are happy songs with jangle in their step. If you like upbeat indie rock, then you can’t go wrong with The Rubbish Zoo.

These guys are currently an unsigned band. That’s going to change pretty damn soon if there’s any justice in this world of ours. - We All Want Someone To Shout For

"L.A.-based Rubbish Zoo is a band resulting from the merging of two others, Save My Hero and This Isn’t Congress. “Fade” is all about being catchy, from the exotic, Tanlines-esque drums at the beginning to the melodic bass. The song is from their debut EP, A Great Detective Race. The band’s currently unsigned, but I expect someone to pick up this talent in 2011" - Decently Dope

"L.A.-based Rubbish Zoo is a band resulting from the merging of two others, Save My Hero and This Isn’t Congress. “Fade” is all about being catchy, from the exotic, Tanlines-esque drums at the beginning to the melodic bass. The song is from their debut EP, A Great Detective Race. The band’s currently unsigned, but I expect someone to pick up this talent in 2011" - Decently Dope

"This little 4 song EP from L.A. based band The Rubbish Zoo, twinkles and claps and ticks much like Islands first release Return To Sea did. I love smart pop and TRZ’s sound is just that- catchy, thoughtful and fun. This provides listeners with a solid enough teaser that I doubt I’ll be the only one waiting to see what The RZ boys can give us in a full length release. EP Pick: More Ink Than An Octopus "

"Sounding a bit like an updated version of the late great Chicago band Troubled Hubble, The Rubbish Zoo show a great amount of promise on this EP. They mix that sort of brainy guitar driven dance rock (mathpop?) with a more clearly defined 80's influence, especially on the standout track “Fade.” The final song “If You Can, Move Me” fails to connect on the same level as the other three songs on the EP, losing the balance and sounding like a (deservedly) forgotten B side from Kajagoogoo, but TRZ demonstrate enough pop hooks and interesting musical diversions in the other three songs that we are definitely looking forward to see what they can do with a proper full length. EP Pick: “Fade” " - Postcard Elba

"This little 4 song EP from L.A. based band The Rubbish Zoo, twinkles and claps and ticks much like Islands first release Return To Sea did. I love smart pop and TRZ’s sound is just that- catchy, thoughtful and fun. This provides listeners with a solid enough teaser that I doubt I’ll be the only one waiting to see what The RZ boys can give us in a full length release. EP Pick: More Ink Than An Octopus "

"Sounding a bit like an updated version of the late great Chicago band Troubled Hubble, The Rubbish Zoo show a great amount of promise on this EP. They mix that sort of brainy guitar driven dance rock (mathpop?) with a more clearly defined 80's influence, especially on the standout track “Fade.” The final song “If You Can, Move Me” fails to connect on the same level as the other three songs on the EP, losing the balance and sounding like a (deservedly) forgotten B side from Kajagoogoo, but TRZ demonstrate enough pop hooks and interesting musical diversions in the other three songs that we are definitely looking forward to see what they can do with a proper full length. EP Pick: “Fade” " - Postcard Elba

"Currently an unsigned band. Shocking, yes, for such a talented band. Two words: sick percussions. You’ll like this artist if you like: Local Natives and/or Dog Is Dead. " - Goobledigook

"Currently an unsigned band. Shocking, yes, for such a talented band. Two words: sick percussions. You’ll like this artist if you like: Local Natives and/or Dog Is Dead. " - Goobledigook

"The Rubbish Zoo is a five-piece indie rock band that recently moved to Los Angeles from Wyoming. Yeah, good call. They are made up of the bands Save My Hero and This Isn't Congress. Their attempts to create intelligent indie rock songs with catchy hooks have been successful. I'm already excited for a full-length album and a live show. (Hint: come to Philly!) Below are two songs off of their self-recorded EP, “A Great Detective Race.” You’d be silly not to buy it, because it’s really good. Simple as that. “More Ink Than An Octopus” is catchy, in your face, and a great first song for their EP. The vocals kind of remind me of Nate Reuss of Fun and The Format.“Fade” is less likely to make you wanna run around your room singing along than the first song, but it’s certainly worth a listen. " - Philly Mostly Vegan

"The Rubbish Zoo is a five-piece indie rock band that recently moved to Los Angeles from Wyoming. Yeah, good call. They are made up of the bands Save My Hero and This Isn't Congress. Their attempts to create intelligent indie rock songs with catchy hooks have been successful. I'm already excited for a full-length album and a live show. (Hint: come to Philly!) Below are two songs off of their self-recorded EP, “A Great Detective Race.” You’d be silly not to buy it, because it’s really good. Simple as that. “More Ink Than An Octopus” is catchy, in your face, and a great first song for their EP. The vocals kind of remind me of Nate Reuss of Fun and The Format.“Fade” is less likely to make you wanna run around your room singing along than the first song, but it’s certainly worth a listen. " - Philly Mostly Vegan

"When The Rubbish Zoo first sent me their music I was very impressed. With all the rappers who send us their music all the time its so refreshing to hear a great up and coming indie rock group.With a sound somewhere between Rusted Root and Vampire Weekend and some superb musicianship, The Rubbish Zoo is sure to make a big splash in the music scene. " - Turn Up Your Speakers

"When The Rubbish Zoo first sent me their music I was very impressed. With all the rappers who send us their music all the time its so refreshing to hear a great up and coming indie rock group.With a sound somewhere between Rusted Root and Vampire Weekend and some superb musicianship, The Rubbish Zoo is sure to make a big splash in the music scene. " - Turn Up Your Speakers

Meet The Rubbish Zoo. Self-proclaimed cowboys from Cheyenne, Wyoming who moved out to Los Angeles to make it in the big city. Well readers, giddy-yup; we’ve got the golden formula to an indie explosion. Take a bunch of humble hunks and throw their talent into indie-pop hooks and here we’ve got The Rubbish Zoo. We’ve got: Jordan Born, Ian Rowe, Jason Joyce, Jerrick Romero, and Adam Rowe… all bright eyed and eager up on the burgeoning music scene. A product of two former bands, Save My Hero and This Isn’t Congress.

I love nothing more than reading up on new up and comers; they’ve taken the best elements of what’s new and old to shape a sound that culminates what works and brings together new tinges of what’s to come. When you listen to their music, you can actually hear them smiling and having fun. Though it can’t be discounted that they have shared the stage with some notables like RX Bandits, This Providence, and Thieves and Villains. When I first listened to “More Ink Than An Octopus”, I swore I heard elements of Modest Mouse and Surfer Blood… what’s not to love about that?

It’s fun, it’s light and it’s catchy and they recently released their first EP, “A Great Detective Race”. They back a concept that’s so easily said but usually not executed, that they want “every song to sound different, simple as that may be”. Giving “Fade” a try, you hear different elements that soon shine; A bitchin’ baseline and their delightful vocals, there’s more of a Vampire Weekend feel to it, regardless, these guys have got something and I back it. Think if Cults went to the beach. These tracks are the perfect soundtrack to the gloomy grey days we’ve recently been having around my hood. Apparently these guys thrive in a live show, if they come around your way – definitely check em out, I know I will! - Listen Before You Buy

Meet The Rubbish Zoo. Self-proclaimed cowboys from Cheyenne, Wyoming who moved out to Los Angeles to make it in the big city. Well readers, giddy-yup; we’ve got the golden formula to an indie explosion. Take a bunch of humble hunks and throw their talent into indie-pop hooks and here we’ve got The Rubbish Zoo. We’ve got: Jordan Born, Ian Rowe, Jason Joyce, Jerrick Romero, and Adam Rowe… all bright eyed and eager up on the burgeoning music scene. A product of two former bands, Save My Hero and This Isn’t Congress.

I love nothing more than reading up on new up and comers; they’ve taken the best elements of what’s new and old to shape a sound that culminates what works and brings together new tinges of what’s to come. When you listen to their music, you can actually hear them smiling and having fun. Though it can’t be discounted that they have shared the stage with some notables like RX Bandits, This Providence, and Thieves and Villains. When I first listened to “More Ink Than An Octopus”, I swore I heard elements of Modest Mouse and Surfer Blood… what’s not to love about that?

It’s fun, it’s light and it’s catchy and they recently released their first EP, “A Great Detective Race”. They back a concept that’s so easily said but usually not executed, that they want “every song to sound different, simple as that may be”. Giving “Fade” a try, you hear different elements that soon shine; A bitchin’ baseline and their delightful vocals, there’s more of a Vampire Weekend feel to it, regardless, these guys have got something and I back it. Think if Cults went to the beach. These tracks are the perfect soundtrack to the gloomy grey days we’ve recently been having around my hood. Apparently these guys thrive in a live show, if they come around your way – definitely check em out, I know I will! - Listen Before You Buy

"I think this month was a bit better in terms of quantity with five tracks that I certify 4-stars on my iTunes. Yes I put star ratings on all songs, with 1 stars usually finding the trash and 4-stars and above getting blog attention.The Rubbish Zoo are an alternative band from Wyoming who recently moved to LA. They have an alternative sound similar to Mouth’s Cradle but not electronic and with great instrumentals that keep you into the song. Look forward to more from these cowboys." - Before the Bigs

"I think this month was a bit better in terms of quantity with five tracks that I certify 4-stars on my iTunes. Yes I put star ratings on all songs, with 1 stars usually finding the trash and 4-stars and above getting blog attention.The Rubbish Zoo are an alternative band from Wyoming who recently moved to LA. They have an alternative sound similar to Mouth’s Cradle but not electronic and with great instrumentals that keep you into the song. Look forward to more from these cowboys." - Before the Bigs

"One of the neat things about being on the Sticky team is discovering great bands in our own backyard or from far away lands. The Rubbish Zoo are a group of 5 well-behaved boys making music that's anything but. The fresh, new band certainly went the distance, moving from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Los Angeles, California in the hopes of making it big. Jason Joyce (synth) even claims himself as a “"fading cowboy-turned-LA resident". The west coast is definitely rubbing off on the guys as they ooze a sunny and fun disposition throughout their tunes. The band released their first self-recorded EP A Great Detective Race in March and we're big fans of their song "More Ink Than an Octopus". Have a listen below and keeps your eyes peeled for potential tour dates in our northern hemisphere. Their sole focus is crowd pleasure. " - Sticky Magazine

"One of the neat things about being on the Sticky team is discovering great bands in our own backyard or from far away lands. The Rubbish Zoo are a group of 5 well-behaved boys making music that's anything but. The fresh, new band certainly went the distance, moving from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Los Angeles, California in the hopes of making it big. Jason Joyce (synth) even claims himself as a “"fading cowboy-turned-LA resident". The west coast is definitely rubbing off on the guys as they ooze a sunny and fun disposition throughout their tunes. The band released their first self-recorded EP A Great Detective Race in March and we're big fans of their song "More Ink Than an Octopus". Have a listen below and keeps your eyes peeled for potential tour dates in our northern hemisphere. Their sole focus is crowd pleasure. " - Sticky Magazine

"Check out The Rubbish Zoo holding down a closing spot on the April installment of the Indie Soup Runner Podcast. Looking for the ideal music mix for your workouts? IndieSoupRunner.com's monthly podcast fulfills this need with monthly playlist mixes with a twist! Each month ISR features the freshest new music from little to well known indie acts!" - Indie Soup Runner

"Check out The Rubbish Zoo holding down a closing spot on the April installment of the Indie Soup Runner Podcast. Looking for the ideal music mix for your workouts? IndieSoupRunner.com's monthly podcast fulfills this need with monthly playlist mixes with a twist! Each month ISR features the freshest new music from little to well known indie acts!" - Indie Soup Runner

"The Rubbish Zoo will bring more than generic sounds to your ears, they take the effort to make sure each one of their songs is unique in their own way. Wrapping around the idea of "catch-heavy hooks" and the proposal of an exuberant live show - the only difference between The Rubbish Zoo and other indie bands of its type is that they won't stop until they've inspired others. Recently, the band released it's first EP titled A Great Detective Race which was self recorded at their in-home studio, as they consider it a collaboration of their prior bands and an effort to entitle each member a part in their songs - creating the beautiful discourse you hear in their music. Be sure to check out the song on the stream below, and feel free to download it - this band has got what our generation of music needs, creativity. " - In Your Speakers

"The Rubbish Zoo will bring more than generic sounds to your ears, they take the effort to make sure each one of their songs is unique in their own way. Wrapping around the idea of "catch-heavy hooks" and the proposal of an exuberant live show - the only difference between The Rubbish Zoo and other indie bands of its type is that they won't stop until they've inspired others. Recently, the band released it's first EP titled A Great Detective Race which was self recorded at their in-home studio, as they consider it a collaboration of their prior bands and an effort to entitle each member a part in their songs - creating the beautiful discourse you hear in their music. Be sure to check out the song on the stream below, and feel free to download it - this band has got what our generation of music needs, creativity. " - In Your Speakers

"Finding new bands is like gold-mining; everyone can do it and everyone is doing it. The only difference is that I cannot sell new bands and I have the ever useful resource Soundcloud to guide me. As a side note, on average gold-mining costs the lives of 12 people every year whereas to my knowledge no one has died from finding new music. While I’ve personally never encountered a rubbish Zoo, I’ve rarely met a band as enjoyable and catchy as LA-based The Rubbish Zoo." - The 405

"Finding new bands is like gold-mining; everyone can do it and everyone is doing it. The only difference is that I cannot sell new bands and I have the ever useful resource Soundcloud to guide me. As a side note, on average gold-mining costs the lives of 12 people every year whereas to my knowledge no one has died from finding new music. While I’ve personally never encountered a rubbish Zoo, I’ve rarely met a band as enjoyable and catchy as LA-based The Rubbish Zoo." - The 405

"Ever since The Rubbish Zoo sent me their first EP it has nearly been on repeat on my Ipod (seriously I’ve probably listen to the EP like 40 time). So I was pretty pumped when they sent me their newest song “The Hidden Harbor”. This is the first song TRZ has written together as an entire band during practice. “The song is about two teenage sleuth brothers that have been growing their separate ways- one is still interested in solving mysteries, while the other has become more interested in girls- and are trying to reconcile their differences of opinion.” Pretty kooky topic for a song but very original and none the less awesome! " - Turn Up Your Speakers

"Ever since The Rubbish Zoo sent me their first EP it has nearly been on repeat on my Ipod (seriously I’ve probably listen to the EP like 40 time). So I was pretty pumped when they sent me their newest song “The Hidden Harbor”. This is the first song TRZ has written together as an entire band during practice. “The song is about two teenage sleuth brothers that have been growing their separate ways- one is still interested in solving mysteries, while the other has become more interested in girls- and are trying to reconcile their differences of opinion.” Pretty kooky topic for a song but very original and none the less awesome! " - Turn Up Your Speakers

"Indie rock with more intelligence than a Stephen Hawkins family re-union." - The Devil Has The Best Tuna

"Indie rock with more intelligence than a Stephen Hawkins family re-union." - The Devil Has The Best Tuna

"Unless you appeared in The Mickey Mouse Club as a child, it takes more than just good songs to progress in the music industry. This feature offers a short interview with the winner of 'Cloudcorner' - a feature that shortlists our favourite songs submitted via Soundcloud. ‘Lessons from Cloudcorner’ offers to do just as it says: offering unique advice and insight from an unsigned band. This edition profiles the LA 5 piece The Rubbish Zoo. Zoos can be often be pretty dull and before long everything begins to look and sound the same. Luckily such a description could not be applied to this Rubbish Zoo. The band’s music is as full of hooks as it is energy – why can’t all bands be this fun!" - The 405

"Unless you appeared in The Mickey Mouse Club as a child, it takes more than just good songs to progress in the music industry. This feature offers a short interview with the winner of 'Cloudcorner' - a feature that shortlists our favourite songs submitted via Soundcloud. ‘Lessons from Cloudcorner’ offers to do just as it says: offering unique advice and insight from an unsigned band. This edition profiles the LA 5 piece The Rubbish Zoo. Zoos can be often be pretty dull and before long everything begins to look and sound the same. Luckily such a description could not be applied to this Rubbish Zoo. The band’s music is as full of hooks as it is energy – why can’t all bands be this fun!" - The 405

"The guys from The Rubbish Zoo are back on PMV with a new song, "The Hidden Harbor." According to Jason, this song is the first one that the band has written together as a whole. Much like their other tracks, this song is fun, upbeat, and, of course, has me hitting repeat. " - Philly Mostly Vegan

"The guys from The Rubbish Zoo are back on PMV with a new song, "The Hidden Harbor." According to Jason, this song is the first one that the band has written together as a whole. Much like their other tracks, this song is fun, upbeat, and, of course, has me hitting repeat. " - Philly Mostly Vegan

"The worst thing about being an adult is the summer. The days when the sun seems to burn the strongest always seem to be spent getting nothing but a screen tan. Still, I’m enjoying passing the time listening to The Rubbish Zoo. Don’t let the name put you off. The music is an explosion of Local Natives percussion and Vampire Weekend hooks with a Bryan Ferry twist. It’s perfect for the summer, if you can get out the office." - Wait for the Click

"The worst thing about being an adult is the summer. The days when the sun seems to burn the strongest always seem to be spent getting nothing but a screen tan. Still, I’m enjoying passing the time listening to The Rubbish Zoo. Don’t let the name put you off. The music is an explosion of Local Natives percussion and Vampire Weekend hooks with a Bryan Ferry twist. It’s perfect for the summer, if you can get out the office." - Wait for the Click

"Free Music Friday- Check out The Rubbish Zoo's new single "The Hidden Harbor"" - Absolute Punk

"Free Music Friday- Check out The Rubbish Zoo's new single "The Hidden Harbor"" - Absolute Punk

"The Rubbish Zoo offers upbeat, indie-pop numbers"- The Rubbish Zoo is a five-piece rock band steeped in an indie-pop foundation. It is one of the latest musical acts to feature members of the LMU community, and it has a chance to make it big.That sound is put on display on the band's latest EP "A Great Detective Race," which is streaming on Myspace and Facebook. The four-track, self-produced, self-released EP includes synth heavy production and fun indie-pop numbers that are right up the alley of a Vampire Weekend and Surfer Blood fan. Overall [the live show], Ian Rowe summed it up as a "real rock-and-roll experience," something that the band will have to get used to if they continue to produce music on par or better to that on "A Great Detective Race. - Los Angeles Loyolan

"The Rubbish Zoo offers upbeat, indie-pop numbers"- The Rubbish Zoo is a five-piece rock band steeped in an indie-pop foundation. It is one of the latest musical acts to feature members of the LMU community, and it has a chance to make it big.That sound is put on display on the band's latest EP "A Great Detective Race," which is streaming on Myspace and Facebook. The four-track, self-produced, self-released EP includes synth heavy production and fun indie-pop numbers that are right up the alley of a Vampire Weekend and Surfer Blood fan. Overall [the live show], Ian Rowe summed it up as a "real rock-and-roll experience," something that the band will have to get used to if they continue to produce music on par or better to that on "A Great Detective Race. - Los Angeles Loyolan

"Ian Rowe admits his new adventure is kind of odd. The bassist and one of the vocalists for The Rubbish Zoo knew his senses were in for a helluva trip when he made move 18 months ago. Today, the members of the five-piece indie rock group balance day jobs with their music. "We wanted to try our luck playing shows and recording in LA," Rowe says last week. "We wanted to see if we could catch some interest. Everyone wants to do this for a career. "It's fun to write songs and play songs - that keeps us interested. But the goal is to it as a career." All of the members of the band grew up in Cheyenne and they love Cheyenne, but they knew to live out their dream they had to leave Cheyenne. They played shows in Fort Collins and Denver to spread out and get their name out there. They just couldn't shake the feeling it wasn't enough. "If you want to be a musician, there's only a handful of places you can go," Rowe says. "We chose the big one."" - Wyoming Tribune Eagle

"Ian Rowe admits his new adventure is kind of odd. The bassist and one of the vocalists for The Rubbish Zoo knew his senses were in for a helluva trip when he made move 18 months ago. Today, the members of the five-piece indie rock group balance day jobs with their music. "We wanted to try our luck playing shows and recording in LA," Rowe says last week. "We wanted to see if we could catch some interest. Everyone wants to do this for a career. "It's fun to write songs and play songs - that keeps us interested. But the goal is to it as a career." All of the members of the band grew up in Cheyenne and they love Cheyenne, but they knew to live out their dream they had to leave Cheyenne. They played shows in Fort Collins and Denver to spread out and get their name out there. They just couldn't shake the feeling it wasn't enough. "If you want to be a musician, there's only a handful of places you can go," Rowe says. "We chose the big one."" - Wyoming Tribune Eagle

"If you’re ever looking for a new indie band you can jump or dance to, I suggest checking them out. They’re fun and talented – and we have to keep supporting groups like them. Any chance to break up a long day with upbeat, high energy, indie rock stylings like that of The Rubbish Zoo is an opportunity more people need to take advantage of. It only took a few songs for the group to slip into that comfortable groove, and you could tell they just wanted to have some fun and make good music. “Hidden Harbor” and “More Ink Than an Octopus” fulfill that want. They even pulled off a pretty good cover of Men At Work’s “Down Under,” which sadly the majority of the audience didn’t know. Don’t worry guys, there was at least one person that appreciated it." - Music in Press

"At some point it dawned of me that I might have to try and find a band who perhaps started in Wyoming and had to move elsewhere in order to continue their development in a thriving music scene. I am not sure how I found The Rubbish Zoo hiding out in LA, but I am sure glad I did. Not only because I really needed to complete this project, but also because they are brilliant. Similar vocal melodies to recent Choose My Music feature, but with a slightly louder edge." - Choose My Music

"At some point it dawned of me that I might have to try and find a band who perhaps started in Wyoming and had to move elsewhere in order to continue their development in a thriving music scene. I am not sure how I found The Rubbish Zoo hiding out in LA, but I am sure glad I did. Not only because I really needed to complete this project, but also because they are brilliant. Similar vocal melodies to recent Choose My Music feature, but with a slightly louder edge." - Choose My Music

Before they got in touch with us here at The HotBox, we'd never heard of The Rubbish Zoo, so we really weren't sure what to expect from their self titled EP. After a good few listens we're happy to report that these LA indie wonders offer the weirdest and most wonderful indie/pop that we've heard in a long time.

Laid back guitar lead melodies, synth moments - they're all there and in good form, just as you'd expect from any indie pop band. However, on a second listen you'll start to pick up some some less 'out of the box' features. Whether it's the funky vibes and cheeky lyrics of 'Look Alive', or the off kilter rhythms and toned out melodies of desperation in 'Bring Me Back'.......While they may be a little too 'pop' for some indie purists, there's definitely a lot more than meets the eye (or should it be ear?) here, making them a band well worth checking out. - The Hot Box