White Rabbits - It's Frightening

by Fiona Hutchings

published: 27 / 1 / 2010

Label: Mute Records
Format: CD

Euphoric second album from thunderous New York-based indie rock six piece, the White Rabbits

Review

The opening track of the White Rabbits' second album, 'Percussion Gun', was Zane Lowe's 'Hottest Record in the World' in July and hyperbole aside it comes out the stalls with Adam Ant drumming, pounding piano and a gloriously roughed up vocal. Anyone who can resist hand drumming to that needs their reflexes tested. The theme continues through this rollercoaster of an album (ten tracks in about 34 minutes). It should carry a health warning because the drums are so addictive your knees are black and blue by the end of the first listen as you can't help but join in. It comes as no surprise to learn that two of this 'highly-charged, rampant' sextet are drummers. Complimenting this perfectly is a thunderous piano which also features heavily. The piano rolls on and on in 'Rudie Fails' and makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. My only criticism is that the album ends with the very downbeat and restrained 'Leave It At The Door' and fades away rather than go with the expected bang. Still it is easy to over come this minor flaw by simply starting from the beginning again. This album is accomplished, slick and jam packed with songs that make you sit up and pay attention. Regardless of the subject matter, even the darker songs have an impressible edge of euphoria. Buy it and then play it loud – preferably with a cushion on your knee!

Track Listing:-

1 Percussion Gun
2 Rudie Fails
3 They Done Wrong / We Done Wrong
4 Lionesse
5 Company I Keep
6 The Salesman (Tramp Life)
7 Midnight And I
8 Right Where They Left
9 The Lady Vanishes
10 Leave It At The Door
11 Percussion Gun
12 Rudie Fail
13 They Done Wrong / We Done Wrong
14 Lionesse
15 Company I Keep
16 The Salesman (Tramp Life)
17 Midnight And I
18 Right Where They Left
19 The Lady Vanishes
20 Leave It At The Door