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title: Rocket from the Crypt created: 2026-04-07 updated: 2026-04-07 type: band tags: [band, garage-punk, era-1990s, era-2000s] sources: [raw/articles/rftc-wikipedia.md]

Rocket from the Crypt

San Diego, California. Formed 1990 by John “Speedo” Reis (guitar/vocals). Simultaneous with drive-like-jehu — Reis ran both bands. RFTC was the fun one: garage-punk with horns, matching outfits, and relentless energy. Where Jehu was complex and intense, RFTC was pure rock-and-roll joy.

Key Releases

  • Paint as a Fragrance (1991) — Debut. Raw.
  • Circa: Now! (1992) — The sound crystallized: horns, hooks, speed.
  • Hot Charity (1995) — Peak RFTC. “On a Rope,” “Born in ’69.”
  • Scream, Dracula, Scream! (1996) — Major label (Interscope). Biggest commercial moment. “Young Livers.”
  • RFTC (1998) — Continued the formula.
  • Live from Camp X-Ray (2002) — Final studio album before hiatus.

The Live Show

Rocket from the Crypt’s live show was legendary — matching suits, synchronized moves, Reis’s manic energy, horns blasting. They were one of the best live bands in full stop.

The Swami Records Empire

Reis founded Swami Records — releasing RFTC and related projects (Hot Snakes, The Sultans, Beehive and the Barracudas) and signing other San Diego bands. Swami became the local label for San Diego garage-punk.

Hot Snakes (2000-2005, 2011-2014, 2018-present)

After RFTC went on hiatus, Reis and Rick Froberg (from Drive Like Jehu) formed Hot Snakes — post-punk/garage-punk. Automatic Midnight (2000), Suicide Invoice (2002), Audit in Progress (2004). Hot Snakes bridged Jehu’s intensity with RFTC’s energy.