The raucous indie rock sextet from Brooklyn come to New Orleans in the wake of an appearance on Letterman, a top three SXSW vote from two UK publications, and band of the day and song of the day features on Spin.com and NPR, respectively. They released their first LP, Fort Nightly, this year.
"It's a great debut for a band with an impressive, distinctive sound"—Pitchfork Media(8.1 rating)
"Exuberant Brooklyn rock with no fuzzy distance, either sonic or ironic"—The Village Voice
White Rabbits came to NYC via the arid plains of the Mid West. Although they have been in The City for just over a year they have, in that sort interval, managed to catch the attention of Say Hey Records and producer Chris Zane (Calla, Asobi Seksu, Les Savy Fav) with their stellar songwriting ability and instrumental aplomb.
Lead by dual vocalists, Greg Roberts (Guitar / Vox) and Steve Patterson (Piano / Vox), the 6 piece is rounded out by Alex Even (Guitar / Vox), Adam Russell (Bass), Matt "The Duck" Clark (Drums) and Jamie Levinson (Percussion). With a certain joie de vive, playfulness and charm, White Rabbits thematically evoke the more decadent and bygone era of days spent on the green, old cinemas--"Tourist Trap", tragic mothers--"Navy Wives", and restrained, but no less awkward domestic disputes, with the first single, "The Plot."
Added to their arsenal are 3 part vocal harmonies that texture the album throughout. White Rabbits even showcase the occasional group chant, best exampled on Fort Nightly’s opening track, "Kid On My Shoulders," as it thunders to its conclusion. White Rabbit’s penchant for more tropical excursions such as on "I Used to Complain Now I Don’t," featuring the horns of Beirut’s Jon Natchez, are, at times, reminiscent of The Specials or Madness.
The band also has a keen ear for the occasional cover song, and the old instrument switcheroo on stage. Anyone who has had the chance to see White Rabbits live will be able to attest first hand to the joy and effervescence that they exude on stage. True camaraderie in fact. Their sets have gained the band a large and growing audience and led them to share bills with Peter Bjorn & John, The Walkmen, Richard Swift and others. A full tour is planned for the late spring as well.
White Rabbits have succeeded in realizing a tremendously vibrant and creative debut record with Fort Nightly. They communicate joy without being cloying or saccharine sweet, and the listeners could easily find themselves clapping along to any one of the darker moments. White Rabbits combine style and panache, both musical and personal, for a thoroughly fresh and unexpected experience. This is certainly one to follow though the looking glass…
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