With Halloween creeping around the corner, we figured it was time to take a look at a few local bands that treat fashion just as seriously as their music ­— or not that seriously at all.

Casper and the Cookies

Courtesy Casper and the Cookies

SOUND LIKE  B-52s, Apples in Stereo, Flaming Lips

DRESS LIKE  A macabre cast of vagabond circus performers just looking for someone to accept them. As you can see in the picture featured to the right, they will basically wear whatever make-up (boys included) and outfits that will shock you to attention. Guitarist Jason NeSmith was formerly a member of our next band, Of Montreal.

Of Montreal

SOUND LIKE  Animal Collective, M83, a really sexed-up version of Casper and the Cookies

DRESS LIKE  Here’s a list of props/costumes acquired for their Skeletal Lampings tour a few years back (via SOMA Magazine): Four ready-made cowboy costumes, a giant foam rock, 100 cans of “Great Stuff” foaming sealant, a Centaur costume and naturally one 300 pound steel gallows on wheels. He’s basically an indie rock fashionista.

NEXT BIG SHOW   The 40 Watt Club, Oct. 29

Reptar

SOUND LIKE  Talking Heads, Hot Chip, Girl Talk

DRESS LIKE  All of your favorite Nickelodeon mascots from 1991-2000 (and Tinkie Winkie from Teletubbies). The band’s name actually comes from the title bestowed to keys player William Kennedy’s imaginatively festooned cruiser bike. Also be prepared to possibly don Asian breathing masks and inflatable balloon animals if you attend one of the band’s legendary shows.

NEXT BIG SHOW  Deep Roots Festival in Milledgeville, Oct. 22

Kite to the Moon

SOUND LIKE  Futurebirds, Drivin-n-Cryin, David Bowie

DRESS LIKE  Whatever Athens music virtuoso Timi Conley can dream up. They perform with the Tiger Girlz of Athens, a talented acrobatic trio, and he’s also been known to dress up as Ziggy Stardust himself when he’s covered Bowie at the Georgia Theatre. He’s the master of ceremonies for their next big show below — surely not to be missed.

NEXT BIG SHOW
The Wild Rumpus Athens Halloween Parade, Oct. 29