The Realistics

The Realistics, four Manhattan darlings, entered the garage rock revival that opened the new millennium by generating their own glam-infused strain of punk rock. Dave, Dennis, Mike, and Will, longtime high school friends who had each performed in other ensembles since their early teens, waited until 1998 before launching the group. Merging an affinity for 1950s pop with obscure punk influences, the stylish quartet earned regular bookings by captivating promoters at Brownies and the Mercury Lounge. Late in 2000, Tiswas Records owner Nick Marc invited the Realistics to lay down tracks, and the finished recording emerged as Real People Are Overrated. Appearances alongside the late Joe Strummer, Phantom Planet, the Mooney Suzuki, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club followed, along with a 2002 slot at South by Southwest. The band released the Go Ahead EP in 2003.