Hipwaders Bring Out Beasts and Beats in September

It's monster time for the Hipwaders. The twangy SoCal trio (Tito Uquillas, Hal Imbrie, and Nick Baca) have taken the opportunity to address a couple of mythical creations on their new CD single, EL CHUPACABRA VS DER KRAMPUS.

As a reviewer, I appreciated the simplicity of the two songs, "The Boy Who Cried El Chupacabra" and "All That Krampus Wants (Is High-Fives For The Holidays)" as well as the interstitial instrumental connecting them. As a Hipwaders fan, I appreciated that the band continues to produce original music that provides intriguing concepts. I can think of no other children's act that would have tackled both of these subjects, let alone on one product. "Krampus" perhaps, as it was written by Dan Elliott (aka the Pointed Man Band). As a pro wrestling fan, I appreciated the dramatic irony of the design, which mimics a Mexican luche libra poster.

What are these creations, you might wonder? The chupacabra is a legendary critter rumored to inhabit parts of the Americas, with the first sightings reported in Puerto Rico. The name comes from the animal's reported habit of attacking and drinking the blood of livestock, especially goats. In German-speaking folklore, the Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure who punishes misbehaving children during the Christmas season, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards well-behaved ones with gifts.

'Waders leader Tito seems to have embraced the same "release it as you record it" mentality as Mista Cookie Jar, who is on the second hand of his "song of the month" program. In the end, there was a Hipwaders collection that somehow bundled them ("Year-Round Songs"). Perhaps Tito has a larger perspective at work and the concept of recording this pair of novelties will have a dramatic payoff next spring. In the short-term, EL CHUPACABRA VS DER KRAMPUS is an early-autumn curiosity. For many, just in time for Halloween, the monsters are coming out of the woodwork. For kids, it's a chance to daydream of candy as they return to classrooms. For adults, it's a few minutes of whimsy. For the Hipwaders, it's a pleasant return to form and a way to hold their place in your kids' musical rotations.

EL CHUPACABRA VS DER KRAMPUS is available on September 29 from their website, Amazon, and iTunes, as well as in a video that will be posted to the Hipwaders' YouTube channel. 

Here is the video from the band's song, "Just Not Me: