Fruit Bats Details

A cult favorite and a low-key fixture on Sub Pop’s roster, Fruit Bats are one of those rare bands that may not quite grab you on first listen but winds up seeping into your system in the end. That could have something to do with leader Eric D. Johnson’s longtime role as a sideman in other bands, from Califone and Isaac Brock’s project Ugly Casanova to the Shins and Vetiver. When he’s not involved with Fruit Bats, Johnson is invariably touring and juggling duties in the backdrop of other bands.

“I never really thought of it, but that definitely could be,” he muses. “I appreciate a subtle approach in general. The stuff I like the best takes a couple times [to sink in]. For me it lasts longer. And I’d hope to think Fruit Bats are like that for people.” Laughing, he adds, “I try to be catchy, though, if I can.”