Since 2021, Anna Reidister and Haley Wood have delivered Mischief and Merriment in the form of folk rock to Boston, MA and beyond. Characterized by epic narratives, slippery riffs and serpentine arrangements, The Croaks amalgamate traditional folk, old school punk and classical metal into an alloy uniquely their own. Notable for their tight live performances and sonic eclecticism, the two friends—with help from punk bassist Alli Raina and jazz drummer Denver Nuckolls—self-released their first EP "Menagerie" in July of 2025. Recorded live by Dave Minehan (The Neighborhoods, The Replacements) at Woolly Mammoth Studio in just one day, "Menagerie" is a hook-filled trout with scales every color of the rainbow. Each song is a portrait of a fantastical creature; "Teddy Pom-Pom' being about a deranged Pomeranian, "The Ballad of Tenderblood" about a widowed turtle.
The Croaks are Anna Reidister, Haley Wood, Alli Raina, and Denver Nuckolls.
Fall 2017 — anna and haley meet at massart and begin writing together. first song was called “mlady margarine” about a rat princess who falls in love with a human prince
Spring 2018 — haley’s high school band puts out a single (iykyk). anna films a music video for them
Fall 2018 — anna and haley are joined by ryan on keys and dan on drums. the band is called “ratslap”
Spring 2019 — ratslap releases a live EP called “eek!”
Fall 2019 — live shows occur at now defunct house venue “the rat’s nest” in allston
Early 2020 — dan moves to canada, new line up. anna, haley, and sophia now on drums and flute. many new songs written, talk of 2nd live ep
Spring 2020 — anna writes “the court jester” during lockdown
Summer 2020 — an early solo version of “the court jester” is recorded remotely and released
Fall 2020 — anna writes “loch ness lady”
Spring 2021 — anna works on solo single called “cat”
Summer 2020 — “cat” released under the name “nemarca”
Fall 2021 — new line up. anna and haley are joined by sammy on drums and jasper on bass. songs ensue
Spring 2022 — gigsgigsgigsgigs
Summer 2022 — drums and bass are recorded for “croakus pokus”
Fall 2022 — new line up. anna and haley are joined instead by denver on drums and alli on bass. it is so great
Spring 2023 — recording wraps up
Summer 2023 — “croakus pokus” mixed and released in july, album release show ensues
Fall 2023 — northeast tour
Spring 2024 — writing writing writing
Summer 2024 — recording of new EP
Fall 2024 — mixing new EP
Winter 2024 — present — croaking......
Spring 2025 — two single releases
Summer 2025 — “Menagerie” EP release, tour of New England
Fall 2025— Tour again
Photos by Maria Gelsomini