About the project

The Reptilians are a Portuguese tribute band dedicated to recreating the raw, melodic, and unmistakable sound of The Strokes. Inspired by the spirit of early 2000s indie rock, we bring an authentic performance to the stage—where every chord, tone, and visual detail is carefully crafted to capture the unique energy of the New York band.

The project was born in 2020, bringing together five professional musicians driven by a common passion: to keep the sound of The Strokes alive and fill the void left by the American band's absence from European concert stages. Since then, the group has evolved, always with the goal of perfecting what a tribute band should offer—a faithful, intense, and unforgettable experience. The repertoire covers The Strokes' entire discography, from the landmark Is This It to their most recent works, including iconic songs such as Last Nite, Reptilia, You Only Live Once, Juicebox, Under Cover of Darkness, and The Adults Are Talking.

Each concert is a celebration of the aesthetics, attitude, and legacy of one of the most influential bands in modern indie rock. With performances from north to south of Portugal, audiences have responded enthusiastically to each show.

🎵 «The closest you'll get to seeing The Strokes live... without catching a flight.»

🎵 «For a moment, when I closed my eyes... I was listening to the real Strokes, and it was awesome!»

Band Members

António Pinto – Voice
( Julian Casablancas )

António, or Tony Casablancas, is a professional driver and Julian da Tuga in his spare time. Since his teenage years, he has been involved in various musical projects, always driven by his passion for rock. He joined The Reptilians in early 2024 — a true star who fell from the sky. With his energy and stage presence, he promises to take the band (literally) to new heights on their upcoming tour.

Favorite album by The Strokes: First Impressions Of Earth
Favorite songs: You Only Live Once; Reptilia; Vision Of Division
Musical references: Queens Of The Stone Age; The Strokes; Jeff Buckley; Arctic Monkeys

Gil Catarino – Guitar
( Nick Valensi )

Gil, Give, or Gilensi to others, grew up listening to rock music from an early age, which led him to study music at the conservatory until he was 18 and to form his first cover band. Later, he discovered the sound of The Strokes — a passion that became a mission. After purchasing his Nick Valensi signature Riviera guitar, he decided to find others who would join him on this adventure.

Favorite album by The Strokes: Is This It
Favorite songs: Alone, Together; What Ever Happened?; Hawaii
Musical references: The Strokes; Pink Floyd; Queen; Guns N' Roses; The Hives; Fontaines D.C.

Marcelo Varandas – Bass
(Nikolai Fraiture)

Marcelo, Murcela, or Chaval is affectionately nicknamed the band's grandpa. Marcelo has brought consistency and groove to The Reptilians since joining the project in late 2021. With solid experience in other musical projects, he is the one who embodies the lower frequencies — sustaining each theme with precision and style.

Favorite album by The Strokes: Is This It
Favorite songs: Trying Your Luck; New York City Cops; Between Love & Hate
Musical references: Queens Of The Stone Age; Alice In Chains; The Hives; Muse

Márcio Monteiro – Drums
(Fabrizio Moretti)

Márcio, or Márcízio, is self-taught and has been passionate about drums since childhood. Márcio has years of experience on the road and has performed with several nationally renowned bands. He joined The Reptilians in early 2025 to take on the role of Moretti's clock — keeping the rhythm, energy, and heart of the band's sound always on point.

Favorite album by The Strokes: Is This It
Favorite songs: Alone, Together; Juicebox; Reptilia
Musical references: Metallica; Queen; Ozzy Osbourne; Rush

Telmo Sá – Guitar
(Albert Hammond Jr.)

Telmo, or Telmmond, is known among his colleagues as the band's dad. With extensive experience in the world of guitars and a connection to music since his teens, he was instrumental in the creation of The Reptilians. In addition to his musical contribution, he is the creative brain behind the band's visual identity and always ready for a good adult conversation.

Favorite album by The Strokes: Room On Fire
Favorite songs: Meet Me In The Bathroom; Welcome To Japan; Automatic Stop
Musical references: Radiohead; Idles; Queens Of The Stone Age; Sonic Youth

History of The Reptilians

2020 - The Beginning

- In July, in the midst of the pandemic, Gil fulfills a long-held desire: he buys an Epiphone Riviera, Nick Valensi's signature model. Inspired, he finally decides to post an ad on the internet — on music forums and Facebook groups — with the aim of forming a tribute band to his favorite band, The Strokes. Until then, there had been no such project in Portugal.
- In August, the idea takes shape. Gil meets Telmo, Miguel, João, and Hugo at a café-bar. Over conversation and beers, they decide to schedule their first rehearsal — and the chemistry is immediate. Shortly thereafter, after a vote with several suggestions, the group is christened “The Reptilians”.

2021

- In early fall, the original bassist and vocalist leave for personal reasons. Marcelo and Lucas join, bringing new energy and consolidating the band's lineup.

2022

- In April, The Reptilians play their first live concert at a private event in Monsantos, with a set list that also includes songs by the Foo Fighters.
- During the same year, the band also performs at Wish (Porto), Comtributos Fest (Sacavém), and Casa de Pedra (Bela Vista, Lisbon), establishing themselves as one of the most promising indie tribute bands on the national scene.

2023

- In early fall 2023, it is decided to take a different path, and a long search for a new vocalist begins.

2024

- In the spring, after several auditions, António Pinto (aka Tony Casablancas) appears—and the project is reborn. The energy returns, and the Reptilians' sound finally takes the form of a tribute to The Strokes, with whom it all began.
- At the end of that year, Miguel decides to leave the project for personal reasons, making room for a new phase.

2025 - Present

- In January, Márcio joins the band. After a good conversation, a few beers, and a trial rehearsal, he accepts the challenge of becoming the band's “Marcízio”.
- Currently, The Reptilians continue to work passionately to offer the best possible The Strokes experience to the Portuguese public and beyond — with authenticity, energy, and respect for the essence of Indie Rock.

Fun facts about The Strokes

The Strokes are an American indie rock band formed in 1998 in New York City. The group consists of Julian Casablancas (vocals), Albert Hammond Jr. (guitar), Nick Valensi (guitar), Nikolai Fraiture (bass), and Fabrizio Moretti (drums and percussion).

Considered responsible for revitalizing rock in the early 2000s, The Strokes brought a raw, urban, and minimalist aesthetic that forever marked the global music scene. With their distinctive sound—direct riffs, catchy melodies, and a carefree attitude—they defined what is now understood as “new indie rock.” Iconic tracks such as “Reptilia”, “You Only Live Once”, and “Someday” became anthems for a generation and remain the soul of any alternative playlist.

The band has a special relationship with Portugal:

In 2006, they came to the country for the first time, on the tour for the album First Impressions of Earth, performing at the Lisboa Soundz Festival, at Terrapleno de Santos (Lisbon).

In 2011, they returned to present their fourth album, Angles, at the Super Bock Super Rock festival in Meco.

Their third and most recent visit took place in 2022, after the release of The New Abnormal. After two postponements due to the pandemic, The Strokes finally returned to Portuguese stages at the NOS Alive festival at Passeio Marítimo de Algés.

More than two decades later, they remain one of the most influential and beloved bands of the 21st century — and the main inspiration behind The Reptilians.