Apes of the State

about

Apes of the State is an independent Lancaster, PA based folk/pop/punk band consisting of: April Hartman (guitar, banjo, vocals, song writing), Dan Ebersole (mandolin, guitar), Mollie Swartz (violin, keys), and Max Scott (vocals, bells, guitar). April’s first release, “All I Did This Summer Was Go to Rehab (2014),” can be self-described as equal parts cringey and genius. It documents her first ever experiments in song writing and sobriety after uprooting her life in New Jersey to start over post-rehab in Lancaster, PA. A short EP of songs, “Things I Never Meant to Tell You” followed in 2015 featuring songs that would later be worked into the full band known as “Apes of the State.” 2016 brought the band’s first recording, “This City Isn’t Big Enough” which was a far leap both instrumentally and quality wise from the lofi solo bedroom recordings. Their second full length album, “Pipe Dream” was released in November of 2019. “Pipe Dream” features a more dynamic sound, with the band introducing the use of percussion and electric guitar on some of the tracks. Their sound is very lyrical, influenced by storyteller singer/songwriters such as Paul Baribeau and Everyone Except Me. Apes of the State takes the simplicity and straightforward, emotional writing style of these influences and combines it with the drive and power of a full acoustic band. Their sound is under constant evolution but is deeply rooted in punk rock, folk, and bluegrass. As a band, they are driven by DIY ethics w

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top songs

albums

This City Isn't Big Enough

Pipe Dream

They Can't Kill Us All

What's Another Night?

Girl in Rhinelander (Wingnut Dishwashers Union)

it's amazing how much has changed, and how much hasn't (demos 2016-2017)

What Am I Doing With My Life?

The Greatest Gift of All (Live & Electric at the Holiday Spectacular 2019)

Forensic Files

Punk Rock Shows in Heaven

Split Peas

Defend Seltzer

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