Puppy Dog Ice Cream: The Story of Japanther, penned by Ian A. Vanek, the drummer and co-founder of the art-punk duo Japanther, offers an intimate and often wild first-person account of the band’s thirteen years of “infectious noise and visual spectacle.” This compelling narrative pulls readers from the grimy streets of New York to the sun-drenched beaches of Australia, exploring themes of art, ambition, the transient nature of life on tour, and the inevitable end of every exhilarating party. Through Vanek’s eyes, we gain a profound glimpse into a Brooklyn on the cusp of gentrification and the raw, gritty realities of life as a touring musician.
The book is further enriched by an evocative introduction titled “Riding Home” by Penny Rimbaud, which uses the metaphor of a river to explore the flow of life, time, and experience. Rimbaud draws parallels between the natural course of a river and the journey of life, touching upon themes of personal reflection, artistic creation, and the interconnectedness of experiences. His lyrical prose sets a contemplative tone, preparing the reader for Vanek’s more direct and energetic storytelling.
A Brooklyn Chronicle and the Art of Touring
Vanek’s narrative provides a vivid snapshot of Brooklyn during a period of significant urban transformation. He recounts the band’s journey, interweaving personal anecdotes with broader reflections on art, travel, and the burgeoning bicycle culture. The story doesn’t shy away from the “many triumphs and mishaps” that are inherent to life in a band, offering an “embattled acknowledgement that every party––no matter how ecstatic––must end.” This forward-looking perspective prompts the reader to consider where life’s journey leads once the immediate excitement fades.
The experience of touring is central to the book’s narrative. Vanek describes encounters in various cities and countries, painting a picture of a life lived on the move. His prose captures the unique blend of exhaustion, exhilaration, and unexpected connections that define life on the road. The introduction by Penny Rimbaud further expands on this theme, reflecting on shared moments and the profound nature of artistic collaboration. Rimbaud’s recollections of meeting Vanek and Matt (the other half of Japanther) in Germany, by a river, highlight the serendipitous nature of their artistic alliance. He poetically describes their music as sounds “scooped from the ether and magicked form; expansive.”
Encounters and Reflections on the Road
Vanek’s storytelling is punctuated by memorable encounters and observations. He touches upon experiences that blur the lines between reality and performance, such as their opera in Manhattan where Japanther was “in a cage surrounded by dancers.” The narrative also delves into moments of introspection, like the quiet reflection by the East River, where Vanek muses on the past and the nature of existence. These moments of pause provide a counterpoint to the high-energy performances and constant movement that characterize much of the book.
Rimbaud’s introduction offers a parallel perspective, recalling times when he “lost the hotel on the way back to it” and “fell asleep in a ditch,” illustrating the often disorienting nature of life with the band. His reflections on the ephemeral nature of time and experience resonate throughout the narrative, suggesting that even seemingly chaotic moments contribute to a larger, continuous flow. The text hints at the deep kinship and understanding between the band members and those close to them, describing their bond as an “unbreakable bond of being.”
The Enduring Flow of Creativity and Connection
Puppy Dog Ice Cream is more than just a chronicle of a band; it’s a meditation on creativity, friendship, and the persistent flow of life. Vanek’s narrative style, as described by Rimbaud, is one that “weaves a story of delight like we’ve got forever.” This sense of enduring spirit is mirrored in the book’s exploration of how art and passion can transcend the limitations of time and circumstance.
The book concludes with a sense of continuity, suggesting that like a river, life and creativity never truly end but are in constant renewal. Vanek’s final reflections, shared while sitting in a park with Ian, emphasize the enduring power of kinship and the simple promise of light that art and love offer. The narrative leaves the reader with a profound sense of the ongoing journey, where endings are merely transitions into new beginnings. As the river continues to flow, so too does the spirit of creativity and connection.
