Hardcore post-punk rock group popular on Baltimore’s mid-‘80s underground all-ages circuit, also made a splash on the national hardcore punk circuit.
The group’s origins start in early ‘80s with The Goon Girls, Red Guard Youth (1981), Trud (1982), and Clown College (1983). By fall of 1983, they settled on the name Reptile House and solidified a line-up consisting of Daniel Strasser (aka Daniel Higgs, aka Danny Lindenstruth – vocals), Joe Goldsborough (guitar), Fear of God’s David Rhodes (bass, vocals), and London May (drums). Rhodes was later replaced by Leigh Panlilio. May left in 1985 to join Glenn Danzig’s Samhain. Temporary fill-in drummers consisted of Burried Droog’s Skizz Cyzyk (ex-Trud, see bio), and Grey March’s Eric ‘Junior’ Weigeman, before permanent drummer Gary Breezee came onboard. In 1986, Alex Layne (ex-Trud) was added as second guitarist, and Joey Cirri (ex-Trud/Thee Katatonix/Burried Droog) replaced Panlilio on bass. In 1987, Layne was replaced by Asa Osborne.
Reptile House’s song “Talons and Claws” appears on the 1984 comp Bouncing Babies (Fountain of Youth Records). Their song “Turning Disease” appears on 1989 comp Seedy Sampler (Merkin 305).
In addition to local club appearances, Reptile House toured heavily, playing in 37 U.S. states!
Info and photo courtesy of Joe Goldsborough.
Goldsborough founded Merkin Records and went on to play with Ultra Violets, Broad, and Mother-Daughter Action. Higgs was later with Lungfish, Cone of Light, and The Pupils. Osborne later with Lungfish, Tear Jerks, The Pupils, and Zomes. Cirri later with Ultra Violets and Vulgaria. Layne later with Runway Model.
1985(EP) Druid Hill 15 I Stumble as The Crow Flies
1988(LP) Merkin 301 Listen to the Powersoul
