With the motto ยFight evil, read books,ย The Remus Lupins are one in a growing movement of wizard rock, that is, teenage rock bands that are based on Harry Potter characters. Thereยs Harry and the Potters, Draco and the Malfoys, the Moaning Myrtles and (a personal favorite) the Hermione Crookshanks Experience. Of course, there had to be the Remus Lupins, named after Harryยs kindly werewolf Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Created by Alex Carpenter (vocals/guitar), who is partnering for this tour with Toby Karlin (drums) and Tyler Nicholas (bass), the L.A.-based group performs such songs as ยRemember Cedric,ย ยLooking for Troubleย and (duh!) ยTeenage Werewolf.ย Carpenter claims a single musical influence: ยIt starts with H and ends with arry Potter,ย he says. And he admits that he is, in fact, not the woolly werewolf himself. The closest he comes is a paw-shaped birthmark. Oh well, that kinda counts.
This article appears in Aug 16-22, 2007.