The Sapiens

The Sapiens are an indie punk rock group hailing from Chicago The Sapiens disbanded in January 2009. Members Matt Witt, Dave Veller, Charlie Nadler and David Fine went on to form the band Blane Fonda. Starting out as a foursome in November 2005 in Chicago, The Sapiens have been busy morphing and intensifying ever since. Currently a five piece, the boys in suits have not strayed from their goal of developing a completely uninhibited sound that draws on influences ranging from Franz Ferdinand to The Kinks.

Starting out as a foursome in November 2005 in Chicago, The Sapiens have been busy morphing and intensifying ever since. Currently a five piece, the boys in suits have not strayed from their goal of developing a completely uninhibited sound that draws on influences ranging from Franz Ferdinand to The Kinks.

Following their May 2006 debut EP ?Sorry, We Don't Make the Rules?, The Sapiens continued to build a loyal following in Chicago by playing venues such as Metro, Double Door and Abbey Pub, including sold out shows at renowned clubs like Schubas and Beat Kitchen.

In January 2007, The Sapiens headed to Manny Sanchez's IV Lab Studios to record their second EP with producer Chris Harden. ?Vs. The Hornet? (HEYOU! Records) mastered by Doug McBride at Gravity Studios (Rod Stewart, Kill Hannah, Buddy Guy) was released this May 29, 2007. The EP garnered a healthy amount of attention from the press and blogs, and the songs were played on Chicago-land radio stations such as WXRT as well as on college radio around the country.

The buzz really took off when, in February 2008, prominent critic Jim DeRogatis of the Chicago Sun-Times named The Sapiens one of the "10 Chicago Bands to Watch in 2008". In spring of 2008, with producer Brian Zieske (The Hush Sound, The Academy Is...) The Sapiens recorded "Rind" -- a three song single that showcases the band's progression towards sharpened songwriting. "Rind" was released at Metro on July 25th.